League School of Greater Boston Receives $20,000 Grant from Middlesex Savings Bank

Funds Will Be Used to Purchase Assistive Technology for the School’s Students

(WALPOLE, MA) – League School of Greater Boston, located at 300 Boston Providence Highway in Walpole, is pleased to announce that it recently received a $20,000 grant from Middlesex Savings Bank that will be allocated for the purchase of assistive technology for the school’s students. Specifically, the monies will be directed towards the purchase of two SMART Technology Learning Boards and 10 iPads to be used by our students.

Assistive technology has long been recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and Division of Early Childhood as an appropriate intervention strategy, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  At League School, the portable and intuitive nature of the devices complement our educational method and our goal of achieving “authentic progress,” or the ability of our students to learn skills in a variety of settings and conditions.

Head of Development at League School, Tim McCabe stated “with an individualized disorder like autism, the availability of this technology supports inclusive learning environments and offers alternative ways to process information, express ideas, and demonstrate understanding. It gives teachers the ability to present lessons visually, and provides them with welcome latitude in creating or altering activities to control students’ learning.”

Tim also added “as a communication device, an iPad can be the voice for some of our students. In addition to increased learning and decreased social isolation, there are also physical benefits.   Impaired or delayed motor skills, like the inability to hold a pencil, is common for children with Autism. Through touch screen capabilities, students are now able to draw, write, or trace; minimizing their limitations and helping them reach their fullest potential.”

He further stated “while the implementation of assistive technologies into our programming is not new, availability has limited student access to these devices. Our

goal is to ensure that our students have the appropriate access to the assistive technology needed to reach their fullest potential. This grant from Middlesex Savings Bank will enable us to expand the reach of technology to include even more of our students. We cannot thank them enough for honoring us with this grant.”

About League School

League School of Greater Boston is a leading private day and residential school for students ages 3 to 22 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. As one of the first schools to specialize in teaching children with autism, League’s approach is built on innovation as well as established programs that provide each child with the skill sets they need to enjoy success both while at school as well as later in their community. To learn more about our programs and facilities, go to leagueschool.com.