Framingham Schools Receives Allison Keller Education Technology Grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation

In full transparency, this is a press release from the Framingham Public Schools

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FRAMINGHAM – Framingham Public Schools is pleased to announce it has received a $3,592 grant from The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. These funds will be used to purchase new technology for students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program at King and Dunning Elementary Schools. 

Specifically at King Elementary School funds will be used to purchase two Lego Spike Essential Kits and two new iPads to enable the students to build and program Lego robotics; at Dunning Elementary School funds will be used to purchase two new iPads.

The technology will be helpful to the Program, which consists of approximately 60 students, for a number of reasons. Most importantly, the technology will enhance student engagement. For instance, the newer equipment will allow students to download applications for educational purposes.

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In addition, the Lego Spike Essential Kits will help develop fine motor/visual motor skills and foster social communication skills for students in Program. This will promote the students’ development of project collaboration, turn-taking, and other communicative interactions. 

According to Dan Tratt, the Team Evaluation Coordinator at Dunning and King Elementary Schools, “I have experience utilizing iPads and a similar Lego product when I was teaching students in my sub-separate classroom as a special educator in New York City.” Tratt further noted. “Besides addressing STEAM educational activities, these products really help student engagement and teamwork. I loved using them!”

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The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, based in Framingham, awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The Allison Keller Technology Education Grants that the Flutie Foundation distributed this year fill the financial gap in meeting technology needs of schools and organizations.

“The Flutie Foundation Allison Keller Education Technology Grants help our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”