Special Services Update
12/4/15
One Million Dollars!
Google recently announced an incredible initiative that is underway. Through a combination of requested donations and use of the Android Pay app, Google intends to raise a million dollars to support special education teachers in the month of December. Special educators will be able to access funds through DonorsChoose.org, a website that helps public school teachers purchase supplies and materials for classrooms.
This is part of a broader initiative within Google seeking to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through technology. In announcing this initiative, Sherice Torres, marketing director for Android Pay stated, "Teachers spend nearly $500 out of their own pocket each year to outfit their classrooms with enriching projects and programs. Since each student learns differently, let's support special needs classrooms across the country to make education more inclusive for every kid.".
I can't think of anytime that a large organization such as Google has supported special education in such a way, and a share it with you all now in the hope that students in Warwick will benefit. If you want more information, please visit the following link: http://www.donorschoose.org/blog/2015/11/24/foreverykid/, and please let me know if any of you are able to successfully fund a project.
Here is your tool of the week, which is a guide for assessing social skills according to setting. This tool may be helpful for students and their families as they navigate the holiday season.
You can find it at: http://www.tooloftheweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Eco-Behavioral-Analysis-from-Friendship-101.pdf.
Jennifer F Connolly, PhD
Director of Special Services