The Card King's wish for adaptive technology

Hi! My name is Renee Connolly, and I am the Mom of 13-year-old Joey, known as Nova Scotia's Card King. Joey was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 and has overcome many challenges throughout his lifetime.

He has sent out thousands of Christmas cards around the world in the past two years, connected with others around the world, stood up against bullying, had a passion for helping others, and had a love for greeting cards.

Joey needs our help. As many have seen from the signature on his greeting cards, he struggles with handwriting. It is something that limits his learning and is hard on his mental health. He wants to improve his grades, work on the Card King, and do what he loves best: greeting cards.

He has a big wish as he is nearing his 14th Birthday, April 3. Joey wishes for a touchscreen laptop, a protective case, and noise-canceling headphones. He wants to be able not to feel the frustration that he feels when it comes to trying to write on paper.

After an assessment last year to reevaluate his Autism diagnosis, it has been made clear that his handwriting will not improve much as he gets older. He is faced with this, and he wants the technology to overcome this obstacle. Joey wants to grow as a person.

This would not only help Joey in the classroom and at home, but it would also benefit him in starting to feel more confident as a neurodivergent person. He wants to have the chance to try his very best with the proper technology and enjoy learning.

Thank you,

Renee Connolly