The iPad gives children with special needs the opportunity to let their true potential and intelligence show, in ways that they have struggled to express before. This allows these children to better communicate with their surroundings, especially with their families, which is something that was not possible in the past. By providing Special Education teachers with iPads, it allows the device to serve as a stepping stone for the students' future.  "The iPad is a tremendous contribution to teachers, and it's very important that all teachers work with this tool. It improves and promotes learning, and it makes the teacher more professional. It actually enables our students- and students in general- to become part of the big wide world, part of the 21st century with all existing technology around us, part of this revolution." - Einat Ben-David, Homeroom Teacher and ICT Coordinator, Belkind School for Special Education, Rishon Lezion, Israel  Athena Fund empowers and raises the status of Israel's teachers by providing them with tools for self-fulfillment and professional advancement. It helps them to gain the technological literacy needed to increase their relevance in the digital age.  One of the goals in today's education system is for learning to be meaningful and relevant. Teachers need to have the modern digital tools that are necessary in helping them, both to prepare lesson plans and to teach the material to students in an interesting and engaging way while enhancing the learning experience. In addition, digital literacy is essential, as digital illiteracy may lead to unemployment in today’s world. However, in Israel, digital illiteracy does not only have an economic impact, it is a critical issue that can affect the country’s existence, which has thrived on its technological advantage.