Are you or a family member nonverbal or do you or a family member have a speech impairment (speech is unintelligible)? Through our Gift a Voice Project we gift to those in need an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The individual you are applying for must reside in the United States of America.
- They must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report (Language impairment does not qualify).
- They must be in financial need. Please only apply for assistance if there is a true financial need.
- There is no age limit.
- You must agree to donate the device (and accessories) back to the Foundation if it does not help the individual communicate.
- Completing an application and submitting a speech pathologist report DOES NOT ensure you will be approved. The Board of Directors reviews applications and speech reports to ensure our requirements are met and we stay true to the mission.
- The Board of Directors decision is Final.
Families who live in Nevada will receive priority.
To date we have gifted to TWELVE recipients. We will gift to our thirteenth as soon as enough funds have been received via donations, fundraisers or through cell phone recycling drives! We currently have 20 applicants.
Go here for a list of other organizations gifting Apple devices.
**Nevada state residents receive priority and we are only gifting donated iPhones and iPod Touches at this time***Go here to complete a Gift a Voice Application. We strongly encourage you to visit the list of other organizations assisting in this area – especially Loud Mommy and a4cwsn. These two have created a niche, very supportive community and are actively gifting iPads.
You can also contact us by sending an email to voice @ different iz good . org, tweet an @ mention on Twitter to @DifferentizGood or post on the Different iz Good Facebook page.
Different iz Good and the Turning Views Foundation accepts ALL inactive/used cell phones, smart phones and especially iPhones (and iPod Touches). The Foundation will use the iPhones, iPods and iPads for our Gift a Voice Project. All others are traded in towards usable devices.
Host a Cell Phones for Voices Donation Drive – It’s easy and no cost to you or your organization!
If you are local to Reno, Nevada you can drop off your devices at Mac-O-Rama, 4690 Longley Lane, Reno or Disability Resources/New2U Computers, 50 E. Greg St in Sparks or March of Dimes, 1000 Bible Way, Suite 43, Reno.
Be sure to include your name and email address so we may acknowledge your donation on the Different iz Good website and Different iz Good Facebook Page and email you a receipt.
You can read media coverage about the Foundation’s Gift a Voice Project at “Something to Talk About” in Reno News & Review and at “The Gift of a Voice” in the Sparks Tribune. You can watch media coverage about the Foundation in the “Women’s Business Network Helps Nonprofit” story on KOLO 8 TV News Now.
We also need your help in spreading the word as we have more people who need assistance than we can serve. Visit the Get Involved page on our website and our Wish List. We seriously need cash donations and Apple/iTunes gift cards; but we also have items on our wish list that don’t cost anything but a few minutes of your time.
Video Demonstrating a speech impaired child, Lillian Darnell, using an iPhone with Proloquo2Go -
Video NOT Using iPhone -
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My Daughter Yvonne, had an emergency C Section that left her disabled and no longer walks talks or eats on her own. We have no insurance for her because disablity say she makes to much on that, and medicare say she needs to be disabled for two years before they will accept her and this happen to her Janurary 16th 2011. Thank you! My number 775-230-3593 please call if you can or email
Hi Linda! I sent you an email on Tuesday, May 1st …. Let me know if you didn’t receive it.
I HAVE A THREE YEAR OLD WHO IS HEARING IMPAIRED SHE TRULY ENJOYS GAMES ON MY CELL PHONE I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE QUALIFICATION SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TREACHER COLLINS AND SHE ALSO HAS SEVER SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS.
Hi Raineira! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing. Happy Mother’s Day Raineira!
I have an eight year old son, that was diagnosed with aspergers syndrome, I have a few freinds, that have the ipad, for the past couple of months, he has been playing with them, and we have noticed, an increase with his speech development, and his hand strength. His occupational therapist, has even noticed it. please send me more information. Thank you.
Hi Norma! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. We are NOT currently gifting iPads. We are, however, gifting iPhones to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. If your son meets the requirements and he can use an iPhone go here to apply …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/gift-a-voice-application/ …. Completing an application and submitting a speech pathologist report DOES NOT ensure you will be approved. The Board of Directors reviews applications and speech reports to ensure our requirements are met and we stay true to the mission. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
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This is a wonderful resource that we are happy to share on our website and through social media. Thanks for the fine work that you do! People wanting to explore iPhone apps for communication may find some good leads on this post: 59 Free or Lite Versions of AAC Apps http://bit.ly/KZewxz. Good luck, everyone!
Thank you for sharing our site and thank you for listing your resource! Nice to “meet” you!
You’re very welcome! We just did a post that included you in a list of AAC supports and will feature your cellphone drive on Friday. Hope it gets you some more phones.
WooooHooooo! Thank you! Make sure and announce on our Different iz Good facebook page … http://www.facebook.com/DifferentizGood and you can friend me on FB if you’re there and tag me personally also …. http://www.facebook.com/CamillaDowns … Thank you so much for your support!
I have a 6 year old daughter with Russell-silver syndrome. She can not talk much mommy is the only word that comes out right. She has been in preschool since she was three. She loves music and trys to sing along, she gets very fustrated when we dont understand her. If you can help her it would be greatly appricated
Hi Michelle! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. We gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. If your daughter meets the requirements and she can use an iPhone, go here to apply …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/gift-a-voice-application/ …. Completing an application and submitting a speech pathologist report DOES NOT ensure you will be approved. The Board of Directors reviews applications and speech reports to ensure our requirements are met and we stay true to the mission. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
We have a nonverbal, most adorable son named Joshua, 8, with a diagnosis of Autism and Down Syndrome. I know that he would greatly benefit from this device. I am a teacher but was laid off from my job in 2010 and am currently substitute teaching while looking for a full-time teaching job. Before any further time is lost to help my son communicate, I would like to introduce him to an I-Pad. His older brother, 11 and younger sister, 6, will be his teachers, too.
I have great faith that it will help Joshua to have his needs and desires met, so that he doesn’t become frustrated and continue any bad behaviors. He is an angel but is most frustrated that he can’t communicate his needs. We would be so grateful to have an opportunity to let him try out this communication devise.
Hi Steffen! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. Our application is currently closed. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
Camilla,
I found you today through my involvement with the Deveopmental Disabilities Institute at Wayne State Universety in Detroit, Michigan.
I’m interested in having a cell phone drive in Marquette, Michigan.
Please send me more information about your program.
Thank You!!! James Gallant, Project Parenting Time, Marquette, Michigan
Hi James! Thank you so much … That would be awesome! Here’s a link that explains it more … http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/gift-a-voice-cell-phone-drive/ … please feel free to email me for further information at camilla @ differentizgood.org … So very grateful for the offer James! Happy Wednesday!!
My 18 month old is presently being tested for autism. They believe he has a regressive form of autism but does not fit a specific disorder at this time. He uses to have several words but his speech has regressed since his first birthday. He has good days and he has bad days. He throws tantrumd for hours at a time because I can’t figure out what he wants because he dosesn’t know how to tell me. He is undergoing Early Intervention Services and reeiving speech therapy do to speech regression/delay and occupational therapy. He has learned a few words in sign language but on a bad day he won’t use the sign language. He loves the computer and cell phone and his pediatrician recommended an ipad for part of his therapy. I miss a lot of work due to therapy and doctor’a appoinments. I am currently going through a divorce and his father won’t help with anything and the orders have not gone through court and I cannot afford anything else. He also is believed to have sensory processing disorder. Please help him. I am doing all I can.
Hi Rebecca! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. Our application is currently closed. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
i have a son whos almost 4 and has been getting speech therapy occupational therapy etc.. his speech brought her ipad and we noticed the learning apps had him mimicking sounds although they are slurred hes attempting he is autistic but we are taking him to a geneologist for further testing because he seen a neurologist who did a protein test that came back posited for birth defect,i have his iep along with medical documents,is thier any organizations for gifting ipad,this is the most promising device i have seen for my son
thankyou melissa caraballo
Hi Melissa! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. Our application is currently closed. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
Hi I have a 13 year old autistic non verbal son who is in desperate need of a ipad.but our local school will not permit the speech teacher to give a statement stating my son Needs an ipad I’m up against a brick wall here I can notget the help I need can you help us.
Hi Sandy! The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. However, our application is currently closed. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing. So sorry you are having difficulties … prayers and blessings that you get it worked out for your son …
hi my son ryan is 9yrs an has being diagnose with austim. i’m look for information on how i can get a grant for my son so he can learn about every day living and to help him comminute . i would like to get him an i pad but
we cannt afford one . please help my son
Hi Nancy! Our application process is currently closed. The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
Hi,
I would like to apply for a device. Will you please email me an application? My daughter is 5, and her diagnosis is cerebral palsy. While she is extremely intelligent, she has no speech, and it seems that her speech center in her brain was damaged. We have many speech therapists assessments, a neurologist’s diagnosis, etc., which I am happy to share with you if that’s part of your process. Thank you in advance – this is an amazing website and program.
Hi Olivia! Our application process is currently closed. The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing. So glad you like our website. Prayers, blessings and positive thoughts that your daughter receives a “voice” soon.
My grandson is six. He is in a wheelchair and slowly losing his sight. He cannot walk at all. On top of these things he has a neuro degenerative disease which is progressive. Two years ago he was given an iPad and it was literally a lifesaver. He used it on trips to doctors and therapy. He used it when his two older brothers were playing outside. The iPad no longer works. Do u know how he could obtain a new iPad. His mom is divorced and his full time caregiver. They live below the poverty line. Please let me know. Thank you. Sally Dubroc
Hi Sally! Our application process is currently closed. The Foundation’s main requirement is that the recipient must be speech impaired (speech unintelligible), minimally verbal or non-verbal as identified in a speech pathology report. When it re-opens (we do not have an estimated time for when that will happen) we gift an iPhone to those who qualify and have the motor skills to use it. We are not currently gifting iPads. We have put together a list of other organizations gifting devices …. http://differentizgood.org/gift-a-voice/other-organizations-gifting-devices/ … Be sure to visit each one of the sites as they may have their own lists of other “organizations gifting devices.” Our list may not be a complete listing.
Please let me know when the program reopens my son is totally non verbal and has the ability to use a iPhone.
Hi Sandy! We are a low budget operation here so it may be best if you put a reminder for yourself on your calendar to check back periodically. You can also connect with us on facebook as if and when it re-opens we will post there too. http://www.facebook.com/DifferentizGood … Thank you Sandy!