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UCP of the Golden Gate and Best Buy Deliver the Goods
Pictured: from left to right
Ted Widger- General manager-Best Buy,
Karen Glatze- Administrative Director-UCP,
Principal Maria Elena Rivera
at Bowman Elementary School and
Barry Gardin- President UCP Board of Directors
In order to raise awareness and promote the use of technology in special education, UCP of the Golden Gate (UCP-GG) has teamed with the Best Buy Community Foundation to provide an entire class of moderate to severely disabled special education students in Hayward, CA, with over $35,000 in assistive technology and augmentative communication devices. This effort is intended to raise awareness by demonstrating the impact technology can have in helping special education students attain their academic goals.
The wide array of assistive technology products available coupled with the unique nature of each student’s disability makes it extremely challenging and expensive for educators to find the most appropriate technology resources to help students reach their academic potential. In addition, funding shortages and lack in awareness of assistive technology often result in students with disabilities not being provided with technology resources that can help them achieve their goals.
In order to identify the most appropriate resources for the students selected for this project, UCP-GG obtained the volunteer services of noted Speech and Language Pathologist and Assistive Technology Specialist Jill Rivers. In collaboration with the classroom teacher and with the support of the families and Hayward Unified School District administration, Jill completed assessments of each student and made recommendations for the purchase of augmentative communication devices, software, hardware, and other items specific to helping each student achieve their academic goals. When describing her experience with this project Jill stated, "...in 30 years of working in education, the Bowman School project has been one of my most rewarding and fulfilling experiences."
"This is just wonderful. I was crying in joy when I found out about the programs and equipment donated to the school," said Kathy Zembik, Ally's grandmother. "We've been waiting for this for so long. Now Ally will be able to tell us when she's thirsty, hungry and all the little things that we take for granted."
A touch-screen computer and communication devices for students were among the equipment provided for these students.
Funding support for this project was partially provided by a grant received from the UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund, which was established in 1995 to provide assistive technology equipment to individuals with disabilities, and a $5,000 grant award from the Best Buy Community Foundation. In addition to their financial support, Best Buy, through their location in Union City, CA, is providing the services of their "Geek Squad" technical support group to provide assistance with installation and ongoing technical support to the class as they endeavor to incorporate technology into their education. "Best Buy is extremely honored and proud to be part of this wonderful project," said Ted Widger, General Manager of Best Buy in Union City, CA.
On April 9th, UCP and representatives from Best Buy's Geek Squad held a reception at Bowman Elementary School where students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and members of the project team from UCP-GG and Best Buy were on hand to celebrate the benefits of the technology.
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