Humble Beginnings

The concept for FLY started 10 years ago when technology became more accessible with the first iPad. We knew that touchscreen technology would open doors for all people with disabilities. As technology was introduced in general education, we noticed one thing. Technology was not being utilized to its potential in special education.

Enter…Briggs

My son, Briggs, was born in 2011.  I knew from the beginning that something was "not quite right."  Over the years and many, many tests later, we found out that Briggs has a rare genetic condition.  He has ataxia (tremor) and apraxia (speech and motor planning deficits).  So the question became...

How do you teach a child to learn that does not speak or write well?

As we have found with Briggs and other children with various needs (Autism, CP, visual deficits, poor handwriting, etc.), technology breaks down the barriers. It is engaging and motivating. It is adaptable and can be customized. It allows kids the opportunity to learn with their peers. Briggs’s love of learning evolved when we introduced technology.

The Second Realization

If assistive technology was being utilized with children with special needs, it was mainly being used within the special education (SPED) classroom. Also, the main software used for SPED was outdated and too complicated to use with modern technology. When I first adapted worksheets using popular software, it took me over 4 hours to do one worksheet. Although FLY can provide solutions for various assistive technology needs, our main focus is to provide individualized learning tools that follow the general education curriculum.

Lifting the Burdens

As the mom of Briggs, I knew that all children with special needs could benefit from assistive technology. I also knew that inclusion was the way to help them reach their fullest potential. FLY could not be successful if the burden fell on parents or teachers to solely find, create, implement, modify, and train. FLY gives valuable time back to parents and teachers.