CARE Gets Wii from United Way

CARE for Children received United Way Community Innovation funding to purchase a Nintendo Wii Video Game console, games, and related equipment to use with children receiving school based physical and/or occupational therapy and for therapeutic recreation and respite activities.

“The United Way is pleased to be able to fund this innovative approach to create a better quality of life for children with disabilities in our community” stated Mandi Wilton Davis, assistant director of the United Way.

Preschool Director, Kimberly Engstrom M.Ed. and the physical therapy staff at CARE developed a summer therapy program that children voluntarily took part in that included playing the Nintendo Wii.

Many times during the summer months children lose skills that have been developed and reinforced throughout the school year. The summer program hopes to maintain and build on skills necessary for school success.

According to CARE physical therapist Carol Schindhelm, “The game system enables children with mobility difficulties and limitations to be physically active while having fun and to experience a level of success that might not be attainable through traditional sports.”

Studies suggest that video gaming in general for children with disabilities promotes social interaction, communication, and collaboration skills. It has also been found that video game use coupled with therapeutic supports has the potential to positively impact disabled students both cognitively, physically, and social-emotionally.

The Nintendo Wii is one of the recent generation of video gaming products that incorporates a wireless controller similar to a remote control that is motion sensitive and rotates in three dimensions.

The purchase of the Nintendo Wii System is also a complement to CARE’s traditional therapy services by enabling the therapists to take the unit on site and incorporate or supplement therapeutic interventions for children with disabilities.

Pictured, L-R Carmine Calderone age 8, Kelly Case, Executive Director and Mandi Wilton Davis, Assistant Director United Way of the Bradford Area, Rodney Jones (seated) age 15, Brianna Hart age 12, Carol Schindhelm, physical therapist CARE for Children and Zethan Brougham age 12.
(Photos provided by CARE for Children)

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