One young man is now conquering cyberspace thanks to the generosity of Box Magazine subscribers and Miss Universe WA finalists.

So you’re disappointed that your iPhone can’t access a specific App? While you refresh your software, take a minute to think about a little boy who struggles with a multitude of disabilities that leave him without the skills to speak or write. With the buzz of a modem and a cheeky glint in his eye, courtesy of some philanthropic beauty queens, ToyBox International and Variety, 12-year-old Josh now has the gift of communication thanks to his very own touch screen computer, equipped with specialist software designed to increase his motor skills and coordination.

As digital communication increasingly dominates our lives, those with learning and physical disabilities can sometimes be left behind. Not Josh though, who is surfing the net and learning shortcuts to his favourite computer games every day. Although fiercely independent, Josh is a young boy living with severe intellectual disability, mild Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, vision and hearing impairments and a cleft lip and palate. He was diagnosed in-vitro, along with his twin brother Jake, when his mother Neeva was 18-weeks pregnant, and he was not expected to survive birth. While attending weekly therapy sessions and appointments at Princess Margaret Hospital this young man is a pillar of strength and independence thanks to his new desktop computer.

Josh’s cognitive development has increased significantly and doctors and Neeva believe that this progress can be attributed to him having access to a computer. “When Josh first started using the computer we needed to help him, guiding him through the many free games and activities that are available on the Internet,” Neeva said. “Slowly but surely Josh began remembering how to play the games. He would match numbers and colours, choose words and comprehend instructions quicker and making less errors.” Since receiving his new computer Josh can play most of the games independently. “It is an absolute joy watching my son play all by himself,” Neeva added.

Variety WA Marketing Communications Manager Katie O’Donnell mirrors Neeva’s joy, “It’s easy to recognise the immediate benefits a computer and specialist software package can mean to children like Josh, such as better access to education and a chance for kids to reach their full learning potential.” Variety works with charitable trusts like ToyBox International to enable children in need to live, dream and laugh by providing practical help. “These software and computer packages help give recipients more self confidence and independence, as well as opportunities to express themselves and communicate in a way that may not have previously been possible,” Ms O’Donnell says.

Miss Universe WA ToyBox Ambassador Mia West is pleased that her efforts in raising funds and awareness for ToyBox International have had such a positive impact on Josh’s life. “To be able to make a tangible difference to the lives of children is very humbling. This would not have been possible without ToyBox and all of those wonderful people who saw the benefits of buying subscriptions to Box Magazine and making direct donations,” she says.

You can help improve the lives of more children like Josh by subscribing to Box Magazine today. Visit boxmagazine.com.au or call us on 1300 BOXMAG.