iPads and Special Needs Make Headlines  

Article Discusses New Apps for teaching children    

The idea that iPads can be effective teaching tools for children and adults with special needs is nothing new at Via Services, which already has a highly popular program in place. The San Jose Mercury News recently published an article about how touch-screen devices, using new educational apps, can be used to treat autism and other learning disabilities.  Via Services and the Via West Campus were highlighted in the article,  Click here to read the article.   

A Via West counselor helps a child with an iPad (Mercury News)

Additionally, the Wall Street Journal recently discussed the benefits of using tablets in special needs classes in their piece "Playing on a Tablet as Therapy."  This article followed an Iowa-based, after-school program that has used the iPad to help children with cerebral palsy, Asperger's syndrome and autism learn and communicate with peers and parents. 

  Two girls with Asperger's syndrome work together to play the  

'Untangle' game (Wall Street Journal) 

Via Services and Optimists Present U.S. Flag  

Winner of Optimist's Pancake Breakfast Raffle Receives Flag that Flew Over U.S. Capitol   

On the 4th of July, Via Services participated in the Cupertino Optimists' annual pancake breakfast. As part of Via's participation, a nearly 300-person raffle was held for an American Flag that had been flown over the Capitol on July 4, 1981, the nation's 205th birthday.  Cris Lawson, a 5th grade teacher at Garden Gate School, won the flag and the certificate of authenticity for her classroom. The Cupertino Courier covered the flag ceremony, and you can read the full article by clicking here.  

Dean Munro from Via Services (left) and Mark Sarjeant from the Optimists (center) present Cris Lawson with her flag.   

Via Services is a Beneficiary of Walk for Youth!   

Event to benefit Via Services on September 17    

Via Services has been invited to be a potential beneficiary on the huge "Walk to the Future Silicon Valley," a 5K walk-a-thon in Alviso / North San Jose that attracts thousands of participants.

So we want YOU to walk with us and help raise pledges for Via Services.

The walk will take place in historic Alviso, along the waterfront, ending at the new Alviso Marina. Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese's annual "Day on the Bay" event also takes place at the Marina that day. So all walkers will get FREE LUNCH courtesy of the county, free admission to the festival and access to hands-on art/science/food fun exhibits hosted by as many as 200 exhibitors. There also will be live music.

Cost of registration includes a T-shirt, parking, food and entertainment. Registration is only $20/adult, $5/youth 12-17, and free for children under 12.

For more information, and to sign up to walk, please click here! 

So I hope you can join us September 17 . It will be a lot of fun, and a fantastic way to support Via.