Winslow Gala raffle will support new teaching aid

Warwick — Tal Tov, 16, a youngster with autism, is a student rider at Winslow Therapeutic Center in Warwick. Winslow is a not for profit Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding Center devoted to the special needs population of Orange and surrounding counties. When he’s on horseback, Tal, who is also deaf, leaves his hearing device behind. And until recently, that made it difficult to communicate with his instructor. In Winslow’s continuing effort to provide learning opportunities for those they serve, the instructors and their students now employ a new teaching aide, the iPad. The multi-touch display as well as a virtual onscreen keyboard, instead of a physical keyboard, control the advanced technology. And it’s much smaller than a computer and easy to carry. “I can now communicate with students like Tal, who can’t hear me, as well as those who have trouble talking and who become frustrated by that difficulty,” said Jackie Lowenfels, an instructor at Winslow. “Our students take to this new technology right away and it not only helps us communicate but it also helps to further develop the student’s relationship with the horse.” With this in mind members of the Auction Committee for Winslow’s 37th anniversary Denim and Diamonds Gala fund raiser will offer several iPad 2’s for raffle. Each winner, who need not be present, will receive an expensive iPad 2 with Wi-Fi plus a 3G Verizon 32GB. The remaining and less expensive iPads, also provided by generous donations, will be used by Winslow to help children and adults with communication challenges. “We hope you consider being a Winslow supporter,” said Auction Committee Chair Cindy Vander Platt, “and more importantly, we hope you support the special people that Winslow reaches.” Gala set for Nov. 5 The annual Denim and Diamonds Gala will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday evening, Nov. 5, at the Falkirk Estate and Country Club at 206 Smith Clove Road in Central Valley. One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of awards to this year’s honorees, Michael Kennedy and former Congressman Ben Gilman. The upcoming Gala will also feature dancing to the music of Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra. Gala tickets and iPad raffle tickets are now available at Winslow. Call 986-6686.