Announcing Android 4 Autism

Hey fellow Android users and Autism supporters. I have been quietly working on something for a little while now and decided I would officially announce it. I wanted to announce it here because of all the Autism support generated by this community. So I would like to introduce "Android 4 Autism. What Android 4 Autism will be doing is taking used (donated) Android devices, preferably Epic or EVO (due to the larger screen) and turning them into communication and learning tools for Autistic children. I'm working on securing software donations as well for pre-installation purposes.

Once received, the devices will be wiped and stripped down. Once completed, these devices will be donated to special needs families who couldn't otherwise afford this technology for their child.

The reason I'm announcing this now is because we are about to hit a device turn over with the release of the Nexus S 4G and the pending EVO 3D and Galaxy S 2 releases.. We are a community that lives on the bleeding edge. I'm asking that if and when you upgrade your phone that you consider Android 4 Autism when deciding what to do with your old device. Bad ESN's don't matter as WiFi/Bluetooth would be the only needed connections. PLEASE consider this if and when you decide to upgrade. I'll have more information available when I go live. I just wanted to plant the bug in your ear. Your old phone could change someone's life.

Thanks everyone....

reserved parking

[darren.wlsn1]

wow, great idea and i will put this up on facebook/twitter when i get a chance. nice to see ya rob.

Thanks Darren. Please check your PM when you get a sec.

[orangekid]

I think this is an awesome idea, and will try to get the word out on this.

Someone posed this question on another forum about this. I wanted to share my response here as well.

Not trying to bring any negativity to this thread, but several years ago some guy in a community forum such as this scammed a bunch of us with a similar scheme. He had quite a following and put a lot of work into it. He was so believable that it took pictures and video to get some people to believe he was a fake.

Ever since then I've been realllllly careful on charities in forums.

That's a really fair question. I'm not familiar with the person and event you are referring to. However, my intent for posting this now was not to get people to send me anything. I want to have everything set up before anything like that happens. I simply wanted people to be aware of what I'm working on so that maybe you can save your OLD unused device for this purpose. I honestly don't know how big this will get but all I want to do is just get some devices into the hands of kids who need them. I think it could eventually be a non-profit but I think that's kinda putting the cart before the horse.

I don't want people to think this is some huge project because right now it isn't. I just wanted to plant the bug in your ear about maybe hanging on to your old phone for right now if you can. I'm working on building a framework for this right now. I also would like to be as transparent as possible without exploiting anyone that would be receiving a device, if that makes sense.

I'm not offended by your question at all and I'm actually glad you brought this up. I'm open to ideas and suggestions. I appreciate your support.

[MrObvious]

It sounds like a good idea. I hope it takes off.

[Carla]

Are you only wanting those devices or are you taking others as well (such as BB--storm) ? You could always sell those and buy the ones you need. Just curious as I have a few diff devices around.

[guitardoc64]

This is a great cause. I have a friend with 2 autistic sons. I will spread the word as much as I possibly can.

[Laos101]

you should form a not for profit - it makes you more legit and lets people who donate their phones get a tax break.

Also, as Carla said - take any phone you can get, and use it to help fundraise for discounted EVOs and other Android Devices!