Investing in technology to help kids with autism transition to mainstream schooling is the focus of Journey 2 Learn, following its success in Greater Bank’s #GreaterGoldCoast Community Funding Program.
Journey 2 Learn has won $2,000 for topping the public vote count in the program’s June round, with $500 going to both Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and Southport Gymnastics Club as the monthly runners up.
Journey 2 Learn is a Gold Coast-based, not-for-profit charity that assists children with autism, aged four to eight years of age, to be integrated into inclusive mainstream schooling on the same basis as their neurotypical peers.
They do so by providing a Behavioural and Inclusion Program that is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
Journey 2 Learn Executive Director, Paul Crapper, said a good foundation is critical to future educational success.
“Our program aims to achieve positive outcomes including reducing or eliminating challenging behaviour, improving academic performance, enhancing self-esteem and improving socialisation with peers,” Paul said.
“We also aim to improve their ability to tolerate sensory experiences, which is a big issue for many kids on the autism spectrum, as well as improving their daily living skills which, in turn, helps improve daily life for the family.
“The demand for our services far outstrips what we can provide at the moment, and we rely heavily on donations and fundraising events to cover our costs, so this contribution from Greater Bank is very welcome indeed.
“We are currently investing in new technology including an interactive display, laptops and iPads to help the kids get ready to transition to mainstream classes, so this funding will be a big help for us in covering those costs.”
Journey 2 Learn Executive Director, Paul Crapper
Greater Bank’s Gold Coast Regional Sales Manager, Scott McCluskey, said early intervention makes a significant difference for children with autism.
“Kids with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) face a range of challenges and research shows that the sooner they are given appropriate supports, the better their outcomes will be,” Scott said.
“There’s a saying in the autism community that ‘if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism’, which makes individualised programs crucial, so we are proud to be able to help Journey 2 Learn continue their vital work.”
There is another $3,000 on offer in the July round of the program, with Letters of Hope, Seed the Ground and Walk With Us in the running as our monthly nominees.
The public online vote is now open and closes on Wednesday 26 July, 2023 at greater.com.au/greatergoldcoast, which is also where community organisations can apply to be part of program.