Wrap - Willoughby Rotary Autism Project

Provide iPads to Autistic Children for:

  • enhanced communication
  • learn new skills
  • provide the means to have fun, be creative, and feel good about themselves

Download Flyer (PDF)

The Willoughby Rotary Autism Project is supported by the Willoughby Rotary Foundation, and fundraising by Cleveland History Lessons, featuring Dan Ruminski, Storyteller.

Why iPads?

Research has determined that autistic children who have difficulty communicating can have their communication skills improved dramatically with iPads.

Older tools such as cards or even regular computer screens are limited in keeping the autistic user interested. The touch screen and layout make the iPad easier to use for individuals with coordination or learning difficulties. Typing is not required, as many apps feature bright, colorful icons that are manipulated by tapping and sliding. The iPad can help individuals with autism improve basic social, fine motor, language and communication skills. Users learn to communicate and express themselves with their iPad without the frustration they commonly experience.

 
 
About Autism
The basic facts are staggering: 
  • Autism affects 1 in 88 children
  • Autism affects 1 in 54 boys, and boys are four times more likely to have Autism
  • More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined
  • Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  • Autism costs the nation $137 billion per year
  • Autism causes receive little organized funding support
  • The average person is not aware of the extent of this epidemic, or how people with autism can be helped
  • There is no cure for autism
The Willoughby Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that has contributed over $250,000 to Rotary International humanitarian programs and more than 30 Ohio charitable causes since 1998.
 
2014 iPad Distribution Breakdown
Agency Name # iPads Contact/Sponsor Name Recipient Name (Individual)
Brandon's Place 4 Karen Forbes N/A
Broadmoor School 11 Sheryl Kline N/A
C.A.R.E.S. 6 Christy LaPaglia N/A
Different Needz 1 Al Hehr Gabriel Van Vuren
Mentor Schools 4 Heather Ambrus N/A
Share-A-Vision 10 Christy LaPaglia N/A
W/E Schools 5 Eileen Bowers N/A
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Lauren Kalb Noah Kalb
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Dave Anderson Landon Anderson
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Dan Ruminski Teagan Koehler
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Linda Wise Owen Lister
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Linda Wise Shawn Wroblewski
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Linda Wise Colleen Stella
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Linda Wise Randy Gornichec
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Linda Wise Rahul Prasad
Willoughby Fine Arts 2 Steve Atkins Ali & Katie
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Amy Ridegway Aiden Ritari
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Ken Graham Paul Cardinale
Willoughby Fine Arts 2 Bill Giffin Monnis & Marissa
Willoughby Fine Arts 1 Dan Ruminski Kade Baker
 
 
"Read all about it!"

Read Jim Collin's News-Herald column on Rotary's initiative gives a boost to autistic kids.

 
Event Information

Phone: 440.951.1312
(ask for Dan)
Email:
autism@willoughbyrotary.org

 

 
Meeting Information
All meetings are cancelled through April 2019 due to the Governor's stay at home order
12:00 pm Monday, La-Vera Party Center, 32200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills