(Smithtown, NY) September not only marked the beginning of a new school year for the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) Young Autism Program, but also the welcoming of five Young Explorer computers generously donated by the IBM Corporation.
The computers are child-friendly in design and offer age-appropriate educational software to introduce and build on early learning skills. Web-based training is also being provided for our teachers in order for them to become proficient with the device and its software.
The use of technology in the world of education has truly redefined the learning experience. Giving our students access to this important technical avenue helps set the stage for this and future learning.
“We are so grateful to the IBM Corporation for this incredible gift and would also like to extend a special thanks to Pamela Haas, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Manager for IBM, for her support and belief in our program,” Christine Ponzio, Director of YAP. “Her comprehensive efforts involving this contribution are sincerely appreciated.”
“The children are thrilled to have these beautiful new computers and look forward to “exploring” every day,” added Ponzio.
DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with Autism on Long Island. It provides special educational, vocational, day and residential programs, as well as healthcare services for over 5,000 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiny.org.
