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Technology has opened Robert Garcia-Jolly’s world.
The eight-year-old can now play with his twin brother James. And Robert is impressing James’ friends when they see how good he is at computer games.
Gaining Acceptance
“Robert is not always involved, and when James’ friends come over, they don’t always understand him,” said Marisa Jolly-Espinosa, their mother. “But Robert is just like any other kid when playing computer games. He’s even better than them! The children become more accepting of him.”
Robert, who has autism, struggles with socialization, language and some academic skills. But with the support of his family and the dedicated staff at YAI’s Manhattan Star Academy (MSA), and through the use of technology, he is growing in so many ways.
Raising Funds for Computer Lab
It’s why MSA is raising funds on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 29, to create a computer lab designed for an accessible experience. Through the funds, the school hopes to purchase technology, such as iMacs, printers, large screens and educational software, including a curriculum, Keyboarding Without Tears.
“iMacs can provide so many meaningful opportunities for our students to interact with technology and develop skills that will lead to future academic and employment success,” said Jessica Sanchez, MSA’s Educational Coordinator. “The goal for many of our students is to transition to less restrictive environments. For those students, it’s essential to navigate a computer and type effectively.”
‘Getting Into Robert’s World’
Gaining students’ attention is a barrier to absorbing instructions for most school teachers, but even more so at MSA. “We’ve been 
working really hard to get into Robert’s world,” said Kaitlan Przybylski, his teacher. “He has tons of amazing thoughts and ideas going through his head all the time but it’s difficult for him to communicate those ideas. It’s also hard for him to hear what we’re communicating to him.”
But once the MSA team realized how he responded to technology, “we opened up a whole world of possibilities for Robert.” Today he does lessons on the computer. Instead of reading a book printed out on paper, he’s more comfortable reading it on the computer. “His attention skyrockets,” Kaitlin said.
Using the computer is a motivator for Robert. It puts him at ease and helps him focus. For some students who struggle with fine motor skills, typing on an adaptive keyboard comes more naturally than handwriting.
Increasing Self-Esteem
“Self-esteem is a big thing for our children,” said Bari Toor, Occupational Therapist at the school. “Some of them are more aware of their deficits. So being able to succeed and getting ideas out is a huge step.”
Robert’s family can see the difference.
At home, Robert knows his password for his own account. He creates and organizes information in folders and can delete files. If Robert had his way, he’d be purchasing apps on his own, Marisa said. He enjoys surfing the web and finding music on line. “His musical taste is very eclectic, from Acoustic Cafe world music to Chopin’s “Nocturne Opus 9 No. 2,” to The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” to Rock’s Rascal Flats’ “Life Is a Highway,” ” she added.
“The computer has given him a level of independence and autonomy,” Marisa said. It’s a tool that has allowed him to shine brightly. He’s really growing.”