The Mailman Segal Institute (MSI) Nova Southeastern University launched a new initiative, "18 iPads in 18 Days", to help facilitate the learning process for children with autism at the MSI Baudhuin Preschool. The preschool provides services to children with autism through a contract with the School Board of Broward County, Florida, and is recognized internationally for their innovative programs for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Technology continues to revolutionize the manner in which teachers meet the needs of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

iPads are now being used with children who have communication challenges. They provide an alternative means of communication between children with autism who have difficulty speaking, and the teacher. Thanks to the generosity of several donors, MSI will be able to place an iPad in each of the Baudhuin Preschool's 18 classrooms just prior to the Christmas holidays.

"Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way children communicate and relate to others and the world around them" said Roni Leiderman, PhD, and dean of the Mailman Segal Institute. "We are grateful for the incredible generosity and support of our donors, who are responsible for the success of this initiative."

Donors contributing to the "18 iPADS in 18 DAYS" initiative include:

• James A. Scott
• A.L. Mailman Family Foundation
• Roni Leiderman and Philip Klein
• On My Own-Sylvia's Place Boutique
• Joel and Jamie Mayersohn
• Malin, Haley, DiMaggio, Bowen & Lhota, P.A.
• Panza Maurer

Each iPad is equipped with applications like Proloquo2Go, which is designed specifically for children and individuals with special needs. The touch pad is user friendly, features colorful symbols, natural sounding text-to-speech voices, and an extensive vocabulary.