IGT HELPS AUTISTIC COMMUNITY IN POINT FORTIN
IGT HELPS AUTISTIC COMMUNITY IN POINT FORTIN
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IGT HELPS AUTISTIC COMMUNITY IN POINT FORTIN 〰️
TUESDAY, APRIL 19 2022: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO — International Game Technology (IGT) announced today that it has donated advanced technology to its partner, The Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT). The ASTT’s southern branch The Life Skills Centre (TLSC) in Point Fortin received a laptop and iPads with accompanying accessories to serve the centre’s clients.
The donation was made through IGT’s After School Advantage programme on the advent of Autism Awareness Month in April. IGT has been partnering with the ASTT since 2012 when it made its first technology donation. Since that time, IGT has made further donations of iPads, apps and software as well as, assistive devices, that align with ASTT’s mission to assist persons living with autism and their families.
Through its After School Advantage programme, IGT has partnerships with other non-government organisations in Trinidad and Tobago that serve the Autistic community such as LIFE Centre, Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organization, Immortelle Centre, and Memisa Centre.
IGT’s donation to The Life Skills Centre is another new partnership that will not only further enhance the virtual learning experiences, but also allow the Life Skills Centre to continue impacting its students' lives in meaningful ways. As a global leader in gaming and technology, the donation is consistent with IGT’s global commitment towards support and inclusion of all persons.
IGT’s Country Manager Roger Bolai said, “As a technology company, we are particularly interested in partnering with organisations that help persons living with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. For persons with Autism, research has shown that the use of technology will greatly assist with educational programs, literacy, social-communicative skills, regulation and understanding of emotions.”
Ms. Gina Mohammed, Manager at ASTT’s Point Fortin Parent Support Centre, expressed gratitude on behalf of its board, staff and families. She said, “I extend our best wishes and thanks to IGT for its commitment to serving persons with autism, and more specifically, within our organization.” She also expressed that the devices have been an instrumental part of their programme and are crucial to the services that they provide. She added, “Our clients use these devices in many ways throughout the day for communication, facilitating group work, and now, to conduct sessions virtually.”
Autism Awareness Month was first marked by the Autism Society in 1972. Events are held to promote acceptance, celebrate the differences, and be more inclusive to the autistic individuals around us.
ASTT was established on 31 May 1990 and is a non-governmental organization that, first and foremost, supports the families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Society’s mission is, “Working together with families to help all individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder achieve their fullest potential through education, training, and advocacy for affordable and appropriate quality services.”
ASTT’s The Life Skills Centre, Point Fortin, was established in November 2003 and supports persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental conditions, as well as parents, families and caregivers of persons with autism.
Also in honor of Autism Awareness Month, IGT also made a much needed donation of smart devices to Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organization (CKFTO). This donation will serve as integral communication tools to be used during therapy sessions. CKFTO is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 in Trinidad & Tobago and in 2012, CKFTO received its very first donation from IGT.
The IGT After School Advantage programme allows the Company to apply its technological expertise, as a leading provider of technology and services to lotteries and commercial gaming operators worldwide, to assist in the education of vulnerable young people. IGT donates new computers, printers, software, furniture, and volunteer hours to non-profit agencies through its After School Advantage programme in Trinidad and Tobago and where IGT conducts business worldwide.
About IGT Trinidad and Tobago
As the full-service lottery provider to the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), IGT manages the distribution, accounting and validation of the Lottery’s instant ticket business. In addition to lottery and instant ticket services, through VIA, a commercial services company, IGT provides prepaid mobile phone top-up and bill payment services over lottery terminals in Trinidad and Tobago.
About IGT:
IGT (NYSE:IGT) is a global leader in gaming. We deliver entertaining and responsible gaming experiences for players across all channels and regulated segments, from Lotteries and Gaming Machines to Sports Betting and Digital. Leveraging a wealth of compelling content, substantial investment in innovation, player insights, operational expertise, and leading-edge technology, our solutions deliver unrivalled gaming experiences that engage players and drive growth. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has approximately 10,500 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com.