TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Samsung Canada is bringing Look At Me, an interactive camera app, to Canada. In partnership with Autism Speaks Canada, Samsung is launching The Look at Me Project, a program that will donate 200 GALAXY Tab S devices preloaded with the app to 200 Canadian families living with autism. The Look at Me app can help families and their children living with autism improve eye contact, better recognize facial expressions and build more powerful social and communication connections.
"Samsung makes some of the most advanced technology in the world, and we've tapped into that innovation to develop the Look at Me app, bringing it to life for families on our Galaxy Tab S device," said Mark Childs, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Canada. "In spending time with some of the first Look at Me Project families, we experienced how excited and engaged the children are with the tablet, while fully enjoying and succeeding with the Look at Me app exercises."
Many children with autism struggle to make eye contact, making it challenging for them to socially and emotionally connect with loved ones. Developed by Samsung along with a multidisciplinary team of clinical psychologists, cognitive psychologists and psychiatrists, the Look at Me app can help children with autism improve their ability to make eye contact and interpret facial expressions through an engaging, interactive and fun experience.
"Connecting with our son is something our family has to work on every day, and some days can be quite challenging emotionally," said Cheryl Ertel, one of the first families to join The Look at Me Project in Canada. "With The Look at Me Project from Samsung and Autism Speaks Canada, we're looking forward to more meaningful connections, but also the opportunity to engage with other families living with autism across the country to share our experiences and bring greater awareness to autism."
The Look at Me Project is designed to create a shared community to connect families with similar experiences. Over the course of an eight week pilot, parents and caregivers in the program can share, learn and connect through an online community forum to share their experiences.
"Autism Speaks Canada is committed to making a difference in the autism community. Giving a tablet to an individual with autism, who wouldn't otherwise have one, means new opportunities to connect, communicate and learn. Advancements in technology can make a significant impact on individuals with autism and their families," said Marc Murnaghan, Chair of the Board of Directors, Autism Speaks Canada.
For more information or to apply for The Look at Me Project pilot program, Canadian families can visit Samsung.com/LookAtMe. Applications will be accepted between December 19, 2014 and January 16, 2015. Selected families will be notified by February 20, 2015. The Look at Me app is available for free on Google Play and is compatible with Samsung GALAXY Tab S, Note 2,3 and 4, GALAXY Tab 3, 4 and 5, and Zoom 1 devices.
About Autism
Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder are general terms used to describe a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioural challenges, as well as repetitive behaviours. An estimated 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum which represents a 30% increase in the past 2 years.
About Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.
Samsung Electronics Canada is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for young minded consumers everywhere through innovation, stylish design and premium experiences. Through relentless innovation and discovery, Samsung is transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. As a result, Samsung has become a true leader in the technology industry. In 2013, Samsung was ranked #8 in the Interbrand 100 Best Global Brands while the Canadian arm was named as one of Strategy Magazine's 2013 Brands of the Year and Marketing Magazine's 2012 Top 10 Marketers of the Year in Canada. Globally, Samsung employs 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion.
To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada or on Twitter @SamsungCanada
Autism Speaks Canada
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception, Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada have invested over $200,000,000 into scientific research and services of which over $6,000,000 is committed towards leading Canadian autism research; building the capacity for services across the country; raising public awareness; collaborating with other organizations to advocate alongside the autism community. Autism Speaks Canada is committed to raising the funds necessary to improve lives today and transform lives tomorrow across the autism spectrum and lifespan. Through our 4 pillars of engagement we are involved from coast to coast with the autism community: Scientific Research, Family Services, Advocacy and Awareness. Our Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, family services grants and Light It Up Blue campaign are examples of Autism Speaks Canada's annual programs. To learn more about Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.autismspeaks.ca or call the toll free number at 1-888-362-6227.
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