Tech for kids in need

SHARON Murphy is excited.

Keeley’s Cause Foundation, established by Mrs Murphy and her 14-year-old daughter Keeley, provides iPads for children diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities.

The Foundation has raised enough money to purchase another 18 iPads, which newly elected Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, will present to children with needs at their Christmas party on Saturday, 8 December.

The cause was founded by Keeley and her mother after seeing firsthand the benefits technology can bring to children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

When Ballan resident Mrs Murphy realised the school Keeley attended rated her as Year 7 ready and Grade 6 maths she had a cognitive report carried out on her daughter.

Keeley was diagnosed with an intellectual disability, with a score under the 70 mark, and as being on the autism spectrum.

“Keeley has struggled with paper-based classroom work and tests all her life. Put that same test or classroom exercise on an iPad and she does 100 per cent better,” said Mrs Murphy.

While most students have access to an iPad at school often they are unavailable for the kids to take home.

“That’s what happened with Keeley, she would have benefited immensely if she’d had access to the same resources at home.”

Funding is available from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for applications and software specially designed to benefit children with autism and intellectual disabilities, however the NDIS does not fund the purchase of an iPad.

The aim of the Foundation is to raise funding, through sponsorship, events and sales of a range of merchandise, to purchase and donate iPads to children with disabilities whose family is unable to afford the technology.

“Business and community organisations have the opportunity to sponsor individual iPads for $500 each, on the back of which will include the Keeley’s Cause logo together with the logo or name of the sponsor,” Mrs Murphy said.

One sponsor, North Ballarat Football and Sports Club, sees the cause as filling a gap in the community other organisations had not recognised.

“Ensuring children with special needs have access to the tools necessary to assist their learning is something we see as vital,” said NBSC’s member and community co-ordinator Michelle Dridan.

“Recently we launched North Cares – a community fund aimed to support and contribute to local causes, community organisations and fundraising initiatives.

We will definitely be maintaining our relationship with Keeley’s Cause.”

Low income families who meet the criteria stipulated on the Keeley’s Cause website – holders of a blue carers pension card, disability card or a low-income health care card – can submit an iPad application online.

The number of iPads available is governed by the amount of funding at any one time.

23 applications were received for this latest round, however there was only enough money for 18.

All sponsors are invited to the presentation to meet the children while their families get to meet the sponsor who helped their child.

“We want everyone to know where their money is going and to who,” said Mrs Murphy.

“The word is getting around and there are a lot of children who qualify, therefore the more money we can raise the more kids we can help.”

The Christmas event for kids with disabilities will be held at Ballan Race Course with all funds raised going towards the next round of applications.

The fees from the confirmed 45 stall holders, the proceeds from the Ballan Lions Club barbeque, 20 per cent of the takings from the rides and the $20 from pre-purchase wristbands, providing lunch drink and a gift from Santa plus a gold coin entry donation will help fill the coffers.

Mrs Murphy recently attended Carisbrook Lions Convention where the Cause, affiliated with the Ballan Lions Club, was passed as a district project 201V1-4.

This means 73 Lions Clubs now have the opportunity to raise money for the foundation that is set to go nation-wide in the New Year.

“I am determined because of Keeley. She gives me my drive and I go from there,” Mrs Murphy said.

Keeley’s Cause Childrens Disability Christmas Party is on Saturday, 8 December from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Ballan Race Course, Racecourse Road Ballan.