Lekotek of Georgia, Inc.
Making a Difference for Children with Disabilities
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Children with disabilities face challenges interacting with family members and participating in school and community activities. Often because of various barriers, the children and their families don't have the opportunities to play, learn and socialize like typical children. That's why we're here. Lekotek's mission is inclusion and we strive to level the playing field so children with special needs can play, particpate and learn. Lekotek continues to grow and have waiting lists for families in need of services
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Toy/Computer Lending Library
Lekotek's toy/computer inventory is comprised of more than 4,000 select toys, software programs, adapted input devices, and computers. From rattles and drums to touch windows, adapted keyboards and staff written software, seeing, hearing, and touching toys make it possible for children to master skills. During one-hour play sessions, Lekotek leaders model the creative use of the toys and computer equipment for each child. Families are encouraged to use the toys to create a playful and educational environment at home.
Computers and software which are possibly the most powerful toys in Lekotek’s inventory, are essential to the Lekotek program. As the community has become aware of Lekotek’s need for equipment, individuals and corporations have continued to donate Macintosh and PC compatible systems. These systems are also loaned to families. Before a system is borrowed, Lekotek leaders customize it and train parents to use it. This unique lending program provides an excellent opportunity for children with disabilities to experience technolgy and its benefits.
Compuplay
The Compuplay program is designed to meet the needs of individuals between the ages of 2 and 22. Youngsters and parents attend five one-hour, weekly family sessions to enjoy and learn from computer play. Compuplay focuses on the use of adaptive peripherals (alternative input devices to the standard mouse), customized equipment and software to enhance speech, writing, reading, cognitive, and fine-motor skills. State-of-the--art technology equalizes the playing field making it possible for everyone to participate together. Staff-written software with large icons makes it possible for children with visual impairments and fine motor delays to use the programs. Adapted software that includes auditory and visual scanning for children who are blind or hearing impaired is available. With an array of color, graphics, music, and sound prompts, these programs provide opportunities for successful learning. Hardware options include adapted joysticks, head mice, touch screens, switch adapted trackballs, keyboards with keyguards, and switches for scanning. Children who cannot use a keyboard, see the screen, or read a printed page, can use these devices. During Compuplay, children enjoy reading and writing stories, playing music, learning math concepts, word processing, and problem solving. Computer assisted learning is making it possible for children with disabilities to participate with their siblings and peers.
Home Visit and Neonatal Play Sessions
During the past decade, there has been a significant increase in premature births resulting in developmental delays and lengthy hospital stays. Conducting play sessions at the hospital helps to normalize the hospital environment as infants, parents, grandparents, and siblings interact with one another and learn through play. Parents frequently comment, “With each bag of toys, Lekotek brought hope and joy.” In addition to neonatal play sessions, Lekotek leaders work with children with disabilities of all ages who are hospitalized. With a laptop and a Lekotek bag filled with developmentally appropriate toys, Lekotek leaders conduct hospital play sessions. Lekotek plans to expand its relationship with Atlanta-area hospitals and neonatal units.
Summer Computer Camp
Lekotek offers an annual four-week summer computer camp for children between the ages of 4 and 13. Children with disabilities are asked to invite a sibling or friend to participate with them. Technology is an equalizer as children with and without disabilities participate together.
Lekotek Sibshops
Sibshops create opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special needs to meet other siblings and gain support in a fun atmosphere. Brothers and sisters who have the longest relationship with the person with special needs have much to offer each other. The Sibshop model intersperses information and discussion activities with ice-breakers, fun games, and computer activities. Sibshops are not therapy, although their effect may be therapeutic. Lekotek is extremely proud to be a registered Sibshop that has been certified by Don Meyer and the Sibling Support Project.
Computer Club and LekoPals
For adolescents who “graduate” from play sessions, club creates learning and social opportunities for children with disabilities to play and learn together. Typical peers from Atlanta area high schools and colleges participate and act as role models and peer mentors.
Where we work
Awards
To Executive Director and Founder, Helene Prokesch, for Outstanding Leadership 2001
National Lekotek Founder’s Award
For Services of Excellence to Individuals with Disabilities 2002
Bobby Dodd Award
Initiative of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta 2008
Planet Philanthropy
Inclusion Champion 2010
Mitsubishi Electric Foundation
Advocating for Music Therapy 2011
Music Therapy Association of Georgia
External reviews

Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of clients who report general satisfaction with their services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Age groups, Ethnic and racial groups
Related Program
Toy/Computer Lending Library
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
This is based on our annual family survey
Number of families who report they are supported in utilizing natural supports in their communities (e.g., family, friends, neighbors, churches, colleges, recreational services)
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Related Program
Toy/Computer Lending Library
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
This is based on our annual family survey.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
• Children and families learn how to play and have fun together.
• Children have an increased sense of self esteem.
• Children and families have increased participation in the community.
• Families feel supported.
• Families have knowledge and use of technology, toys and resources to enhance their child's life.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Strengthen the board
Ensure succession readiness
Maximize utilization of capacity
Monitor Lekotek outcomes and success
Analyze family intake to better direct market
Expand methods for families to make payment
Ensure staff is The Best
Fully utilize capacity of current staff, and increase staff as needed
Build relationships with referral sources
Develop new programs based upon parent feedback
Increase Lekotek's awareness within the disability and non-disability communities
Explore and leverage Board connections
All Board members will fundraise
Expand donor base and general sponsorship
Develop service organization relationships
Maintain fiscal well being
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Lekotek's approach is unique in using adapted toys, educational materials and computer equipment making it possible for everyone to participate and learn along the way. With customized solutions and “state of the art" technology everyone is a “player". Lekotek of Georgia is a nonprofit that supports children with special needs and their families by providing accessible play, adaptive technology & toys, information and resources to facilitate inclusion in family and community life.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
FY Goal 2021 Survey Outcome Results
Percent of families who play together more often. 90%
Percent of parents who have acquired new skills that help their child learn through play. 90%
Percent of families who feel more comfortable participating in community activities with their child. 88%
Percent of families who receive helpful information and resources. 92%
Percent of families that have increased working knowledge of adaptive toys, software and technology. 94%
Percent of families that provide their child developmentally appropriate toys at home. 90%
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We act on the feedback we receive
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Lekotek of Georgia, Inc.
Board of directorsas of 05/30/2023
John Wymer
Attorney
Term: 2023 - 2021
Scott Thompson
Piedmont Construction
Term: 2021 - 2023
Susan Wolkin
Fulton County Schools
Michael Price
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Scott Thompson
Piedmont Construction Group
Nicole Rijo
CEO Ventures
Matt Pearl
WXIA TV 11 Alive
Peter Schiller
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Nancy Ford
Coca-Cola
Ed Stone
Attorney
Stuart Berne
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Aimee Alexander
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Lizz Norman
Children's Heatlhcare
Allison Moder
Cadence Bank
Camille Sutton- Brown
Kennesaw University
John Wymer
Thompson HIne
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.