Create an Adaptable Video Games Activity Program That Integrates Academic, Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy IEP Goals Using HandsUp!
By Irving, Amanda; Blochlinger, Sheila; RESNA Annual Conference - 2010,Publication Date: 2010
Paper describes the development of an adaptable video game platform that can be used to create and play custom made games for children with cognitive and physical disabilities. The HandsUp! activity program was designed to meet the needs of the education and therapy providers at two schools in line with their students’ Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Games were developed that focus on letter recognition, color, letter and number identification, and matching sight words. The parameters of the game can be easily modified to promote increased reaching range of motion, smoother movements and, depending on the type of colored marker used, improvement in fine motor skills. Colored markers include mittens, socks placed over the children’s hands, small balls, colored cylinders, and a pair of tongs in combination with a colored ball to promote a pincer grasp. Multiple positions are also used to incorporate motor skills such as standing balance, sit to stand, and one footed stance. Custom games were made for children with quite varied physical and cognitive profiles and included a Spiderman themed game in a half kneel with a weighted ball for a boy with autism and a High School Musical themed game developed for a girl with spinal muscular atrophy that she played by sliding light objects across a tray.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Web Site: http://www.resna.org )
