$100,000 grant from Kosair Charities
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 23, 2015) — Spalding University was awarded a one-year $100,000 challenge grant from Kosair Charities in support of a new initiative at enTECH, the university’s assistive technology resource center.
The grant will fund the Kosair Virtual Immersive Play Environment (K-VIP) at enTECH, which will promote playfulness, motivation and well-being in children with severe developmental, movement and neurocognitive impairments. Kosair Charities will match each dollar raised for enTECH during the 2015 fiscal year in support of this initiative.
“This collaboration with Kosair Charities advances enTECH’s work to foster the independence and potential of children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges though creative technology solutions,” said Josh Skuller, Ph.D., OTR/L, ATP, enTECH program director and faculty member of Spalding’s Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy.
Skuller and enTECH will use the funds to equip K-VIP with state-of-the-art technology, such as immersive therapy carts, sound shell chairs and interactive lighting and music units. The technology will create virtual effects to simulate real world situations that allow children to strengthen senses and motor skills in a safe, controlled environment. Studies show virtual technologies promote positive effects on self-competence, social participation, self-awareness and reasoning, according to Skuller.
VIP will be used in enTECH’s outreach providing therapeutic services, early learning centers, weekly open children’s labs and monthly Saturday family labs. Additionally, the K-VIP will be a key feature of enTECH’s KITE experience, a one-week technology-based immersion program that occurs three times a year and is designed to provide positive physical, cognitive and sensory experiences for pre-school age through elementary-school age children.
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