A donation of new or used IPads and other tablets can make a remarkable difference in the life of a person with a disability. Since many people will be updating iPads and tablets over the holiday season, AccessPoint RI (formerly CranstonArc) is seeking donations of these technologies.

AccessPoint is a Cranston-based nonprofit that has long specialized in services supporting children and adults with cognitive, physical and medical needs to live to their fullest potential. In recent years, this expertise has expanded beyond the area of disabilities to include vocational training for a variety of adults.

AccessPoint has seen that when iPads and other tablets are made available to people with disabilities, huge leaps in skill development are possible. Using these technologies with various apps can be highly motivating to most people, with or without disabilities. For an individual with a disability, the motivating nature of all you can do using a tablet creates momentum for repeated practice of various skills such as coordinated use of hands, attention to tasks, or learning to write. Some apps help people who can’t speak to easily point out their choices throughout their day and thus readily have a voice.

All of this leads to new skills in areas that can make a real difference in a person’s life.

Says AccessPoint CEO, Thomas P. Kane, “It is our goal at AccessPoint to make these technologies available to as many people who can benefit from them.”

If you would like to make a technology donation to AccessPoint RI, contact Lori Light at LLight@AccessPointRI.org, call Lori at 941-1112, or mail it directly to AccessPoint RI, P.O. Box 20130, Cranston, RI 02920. All donations are fully tax-deductible.