“Our kids need to share their laptops/tablets – we can’t afford one for each.”

“The critical resources and support our child needs has been closed down – this is impacting his development greatly.”

“We are struggling – financially and emotionally.”

“Our kids need more support.”

These are just some of the sentiments Autism Speaks Canada (ASC) has been hearing from parents since the spring. Remote learning has been difficult for many Canadians but especially for those who lack access to technology. 

“1 in 66 Canadian children and youth are diagnosed with autism, making autism one of the most common developmental disabilities in Canada. Their everyday challenges vary and are only exacerbated during these challenging times. With remote learning and the many unknowns for this school year, access to technology has never been more important as it unlocks the door to education and services,” says Jill Farber, Executive Director at Autism Speaks Canada.

Unfortunately, many families in Canada lack access to technology, putting them at a great disadvantage. It is for this very reason that Samsung Canada donated 1,000 tablets to ASC this past spring. ASC received over 4,000 applications across Canada in the first 24 hours of the campaign, highlighting the overwhelming need in the community for technology-related solutions. The impact the tablets have had on the families has been overwhelming:

Ryan and Andrea, parents of Damien, shared that he had not been able to attend his swimming lessons that help with his mobility, nor his speech, occupational and physical therapy sessions due to the epidemic. These disruptions to necessary and specialized services are critical to Damien reaching his full potential. Damien did not understand why his therapists and educators had suddenly vanished. Without the speech and language skills to express himself, the new way of life has been difficult.

“In a time of crisis, receiving the Samsung tablet has blessed Damien more than words can say. The tablet has been able to support Damien’s continued education, give him access to resources and specialized services, and help him regulate his mental health,” said Ryan, Damien’s father. 

Similar sentiment was shared by Izabelle, mother of 14-year old Yorick. “The tablet has greatly helped him in his every day life, above all to learn and communicate. For him, this opens a door to the world.”

Putting technology in the hands of Canadian families will support continuing education, accessing resources, managing mental health and building virtual communities. Today, more than ever, it’s important that students stay connected to learning, opportunity and each other.

“Supporting and giving back to the communities we serve has been a long-standing tradition at Samsung Electronics Canada. It’s an initiative that stems from our global vision that we thrive when our partners and communities thrive,” said Jennifer Groh, Director, Corporate Marketing and Citizenship from Samsung Canada. “Autistic Canadians and their families continue to face disruptions in accessing critical resources like technology, support, and services, so we are doubling our efforts this year and donating an additional 1,000 tablets to support students in accessing educational programming.”

Beginning today, organizations supporting online learning opportunities for autistic Canadians can apply for the tablet program at the link here.