The story that continues year after year in collaboration with the Lojtrica Kindergarten has received its new chapter, this time with the arrival of an augmented communication system in the hands of Marko Vidiček, a young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Fundraising has begun as part of the campaign “Herb for MD" held in May last year when kindergarten children, with the help of teachers, diligently sold seedlings, and numerous parents showed their children the importance of social engagement by purchasing these same seedlings, whereby enough funds were collected to purchase a tablet (Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 512GB, i7/16GB at a price of 1882 euros) necessary for managing the entire communication system. The campaign to ensure communication opportunities for Marko then continued with the joint efforts of numerous people who got involved in crowdfunding campaign launched in Mark's name. In this way, the remaining amount needed for all other communicator components (GRID 3 communication software, PCEye 5, PCEye 5 bracket, FS telelock floor stand and Rehadapt Monty trolley stand) was collected.
On Friday, February 23, Marko started using the device for the first time in his family home with the technical and professional assistance of SDDH and Ines Delzotto, M.Sc., an assistive technology specialist and augmentative and alternative communication specialist, who programmed and calibrated the device online and whose wholehearted help Marko and SDDH had in everything from assessing the possibilities of optimal use of the device to consulting on the purchase itself.
"The communicator means a lot to me because I can hear and correspond with friends via social networks, surf the web, follow various events and much more..” – Marko sends us a message using the communicator after a few days of using it, noting that he is slowly discovering all the possibilities the device offers and is getting better at using it.
SDDH would like to once again thank the director Ljuba Brnadić, the educators and professional team of the Lojtrica Kindergarten, parents and children for recognizing the need, organizing and participating in the "Plant for MD" Campaign, the Flora, Gorica and Šestine Garden Centers, IRIS MBM, OPG Došlić and OPG Mesarić for the donated seedlings, Mrs. Ines Delzotto, and Marko's numerous friends, neighbors, known and unknown, as well as numerous anonymous donors who joined the crowdfunding campaign.Communicator for Marko"with the faith and effort that this kind of assistive technology, which immeasurably improves the quality of life of people with disabilities, becomes available to everyone who needs it.
