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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, August 25, 2016 | 8 Healthy dose of curiosity led teen to create new app by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff A healthy dose of curiosity turned an Oakville teen into an app developer. Dylan Ratti, who's heading into Grade 10 at Iroquois Ridge High School in September, has created two apps -- the latest of which, was launched July 24 at the CANAAF (Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation) Conference in Markham. The free app, which can be downloaded on an iPad through Apple's iPad App Store, was created for CANAAF as a way to provides users with a way to stay connected and informed about what the charitable organization does to support those affected by alopecia areata. It informs users to boost awareness and education of the auto-immune disease in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body and raises funds for research. Ratti, 14, said the app also features an FAQ section, ways to connect live to CANAAF's social media channels, through Facebook and Twitter, and how to make a donation that will help CANAAF continue the work it does to support those affected by alopecia areata. The disease is a highly unpredictable and cyclical condition that occurs in males and females of all ages, but onset often occurs in childhood. The affected hair follicles become Dylan Ratti, a 14-year-old Iroquois Ridge High School student, has developed a free app for CANAAF (Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation). Ratti holds up his iPad displaying the app in his east Oakville home. | Graham Paine/Metroland very small and produce no visible hair above the skin's surface. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person. It isn't medically disabling, however emotionally, it can be challenging, especially for those with extensive hair loss, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Ratti told the Oakville Beaver he was inspired to create the app after learning that someone he knew, who is a little younger than himself, was diagnosed with alopecia a few years ago. Not fully sure of what the condition was, he decided to do some research. After learning about it, he then turned to applying As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. FREE Save $25 off your Schedule 3 cleans, 1st regular service clean and off4th yourfree* 4th get$50 the SM SPECIAL $ * 75 Off CLEAN *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $125 Not valid on prior services. *Not valid value. on prior services. Not redeemable for redeemable cash. Applies to cash. new customers only. Not for Applies to new customers only. SPRING CLEANING SUMMER CLEANING SPECIAL OFFER: 289.809.9823 (XXX) XXX-XXXX localurladdressgoeshere.com Oakville.MaidRight.com Same Reliable Owners Clean Every Visit Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Colour-Coded Cloths Reduce Cross Contamination EnviroShield® Whole Home Disinfecting Strongest Guarantee In the Industry what he had learned at school about developing an app, in order to build an app for CANAAF . "I wanted to make sure more youths were aware of what alopecia was all about," he said. "I've always been interested in technology," Ratti said, sharing that the first app he ever developed was for his Grade 7 science fair project at Mississauga's Sherwood Heights School. The app detailed school information, where it was located and other pertinent facts. He also said he spent a lot of time learning how to develop an app from written and video online tutorials. He applied the knowledge to his CANAAF app, which was on a "larger scale." Ratti's father, Vishal Ratti, said he's proud of his son, but isn't too surprised he decided to create an app for a charitable organization. "It was warming to know he applied his skills to help others," said Vishal. Knowing someone who had alopecia gave him a personal reason to do it and "we've always encouraged him to get involved in charity and do good for others before he does it for himself," said Vishal. "That's what we've instilled in him so it was good to see that come through." Being involved in the technology field as well, Vishal added he was impressed with his son's dedication and focus. "He had a lot of failures, but he didn't give up," he said. "Technology is one of those things where when you think you've got it right, something always happens at the last minute and you have to start over, but he didn't give up. That persistence paid off." Mary Catherine Anderson, the president of the board of directors for CANAAF , said the charitable organization is thankful for Ratti's interest in helping it reach more young people. "CANAAF's role in the community is, on behalf of Canadians who have been diagnosed with alopecia areata, to support those affected by alopecia and to promote awareness and education of this auto-immune disease and raise funds for research, " she said. "Dylan's work will definitely help with raising awareness and reaching those in need of support." Ratti is currently working on the next version of the app for the iPhone. In his spare time, Ratti helps maintain the Hindu Cultural Society's website and also takes part in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life event through school. He hopes to have a career in technology and business. ©2015 Maid Right Franchising LLC. Maid Right and JAN-PRO International are subsidiaries of Premium Franchise Brands LLC. oakville.ca Notice of Open House Public consultation on business case for a Municipal Development Corporation Thursday September 8, 2016, 7 to 8 p.m. Oakville Town Hall, Bronte/Palermo Rooms 1225 Trafalgar Road Town Council has approved recommendations of a staff report for a business case to create a Municipal Development Corporation (MDC), which would carry out the development and disposition of the town's former public works site on Trafalgar Road, among other activities. In accordance with requirements of the Municipal Act, 2001 the town is hosting this open house and invites members of the public to attend to learn more about the business case and share input. Public feedback, along with additional requirements needed to create a MDC, will be presented to Council later this fall. More information: To review the business case and staff report, please visit the Agendas and Minutes page at oakville.ca and search for the June 20, 2016 Administrative Services Committee agenda (listed as agenda item #5). Accessibility requirements: If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know by September 1 by contacting Jacqueline Kohl at 905-845-6601, ext. 3019, or jacqueline.kohl@oakville.ca, or by filling out the online accessible feedback form on oakville.ca. Unable to attend the meeting? Send your comments to: Jim Knighton Manager, Realty Services Town of Oakville 905-845-6601, ext. 3022 jim.knighton@oakville.ca