I can (charity)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

'I can' (short for 'Invalid Children's Aid Nationwide') is a charity based in London which runs special needs schools for children with speak and language difficulties and raises awareness of the importance of communication.

The patron of I Can is the Queen of Great Britain.

1 History
2 Services
3 Schools run by I Can
4 External links

[edit] History

I can was founded in 1888 by a London Clergyman named Allen Dowdeswell Graham under the name of 'Invalid Children's Aid Association' (ICAA), to provide help for sick and disabled children. ICAA opened homes for children for condition such as rheumatic heart disease and shell-shock. Its specialist hospital for heart conditions was taken over by the National Health Service when it was established in 1948.

ICAA's name was changed to I can in 1986.

[edit] Services

I can runs two schools and holds events to raise awareness of children with speech and language difficulties. Some events take the form of conferences for parents and for practitioners. Others include corporate sponsorship (such as the Rainbow of Hope, which was sponsored by Marks & Spencer). Its most famous event is the 'Catterbox Challenge', when children across the UK are encourage to sing songs or nursery rhymes to raise funds. Early Learning Centre also holds sing alongs for young children.