Tech-ing the Halls — Bear Givers

Tech-ing the Halls this year?

The holiday season is upon us! While this brings wonderful things like family reunions, gifts and great family dinners, there are plenty of stressors that may come for families alongside the holiday season. Being the busiest consumer season of the year means financial stress for many, and especially for families with disabilities. Should we really be “tech-ing the halls” this year? How can you help do this and not have to give up the warm feelings of the holiday season for the financial stressors that pop up during this time.

Why is tech so important?

Ever since technology has become such a great part of our lives it has become even more helpful and even essential for children with special needs; it helps them talk, read, and creates a overall better learning experience. The biggest benefit of technology in special education is the personal learning experience it offers to children with unique needs. Chromebooks and iPads have become part of many schools’ wishlists as teachers embrace the new model of “connected learning”. Using computers, chromebooks, and iPads allows teachers to better communicate with students who may be non-verbal, or have difficulties due to social anxieties and learning disabilities. Many of the devices we listed before come with preinstalled software such as built-in screen readers, devices that transmit sounds to a hearing aid or communication device, speech to text software, and now VR and AI experiences create even greater solutions for children with autism and other neurological disabilities. When these tools were being developed, their educational assistance potential was great. Now that we have gained more experience with them, we are able to introduce them into schools, where they become great aids to children of all abilities. The great thing about laptops and iPads is that various types of software can be downloaded onto one device, allowing one device to be helpful for more than one child, or more than one targeted disability!

How to get it?

You can think of the typical ways to buy and find the technology you want for your family, depending on their needs and interests, but of course they are expensive. Expenses of a family are already great, but become even greater when considering medical and specialized expenses. It’s no secret that children with disabilities often require greater attention and sometimes special tools and this holds true for their education! Perhaps buying a chromebook or iPad, alongside the software mentioned above, is just not possible alongside your other expenses. Don't worry! There are other ways to get the resources and tools your family needs to ensure their educational needs are being met. You likely built an IEP for your child when they started school. However, as they grow, assistive technologies can absolutely be added for 2 reasons: as a special education service, or as a supplementary aid and service. It is definitely worth doing some research and asking your school/programs if they have any available or if they could afford adding them to their curriculum, or if they can fundraise. Let your community know you are in need of this technology! For example, the Salem, Massachusetts Police Department was able to donate 11 sets of customized iPads for the Northshore Education Consortium. They designed and sold special patches and shirts to fund the iPads for kids who rely on the devices as their digital voice when they themselves can’t speak. (read more)

Holiday troubles

Shopping for the holidays is different this year. We know there are shortages all over the world, especially for tech items, not to mention the price hike that has followed this. Avoiding the stress of holiday shopping this year seems almost impossible, and online shopping may be your best bet. However, it is very important to note that because of the supply chain issues, ordering things online is not as easy and surefire as we’re used to, especially in terms of technology. Although holiday sales are common and can be big money savers, prices this year are much higher than we remember. In fact, the cost of holiday shopping for families with disabilities can end up costing over $250 per item! Before you put everything on your credit card, it's worth looking for organizations like asdf who can help provide a little Christmas help for you. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This has been a very difficult time for many families, especially for those raising children with disabilities. Do not overlook yourself and be afraid to sign up for an Adopt a Family program in your state, or consider one of the many nonprofit holiday events/ donations. (This article is another great resource for Christmas assistance)

The Holiday season is about family, friends, and taking time to get together at the end of the year to just have fun and reflect on the good and the bad of the year. This looks different for every family, but don’t let gifts be what potentially ruin this time for you. There are ways to ensure your family has a beautiful Holiday season without going into debt!