By Dylana Milobar

Unique technology to benefit special needs children around B.C

Nov 17, 2018 | 1:48 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIA — Kids with special needs in B.C now have a better chance to play independently and participate more with family and friends, with 7 unique technologies arriving at child development centres throughout the province this month.

In a news release, the BC Government announced CanAssist at the University of Victoria has worked with the BC Association for Childhood Development and Intervention and CDC staff to develop and select technologies that would be most useful for children with special needs in these learning environments.

“It touches my heart to know that these technologies are helping children learn important skills and support their independence while they participate in fun recreational activities,” says Minister of Children and Family Development, Katrine Conroy, in the release. “This kind of innovation helps children join in where previously their disabilities may have limited their participation and inclusion in community. How can that not mean more fun, more learning and more joy for everyone?”

Innovations listed in the release include:

• an accessible gaming controller that enables children with limited hand function to use popular video-gaming systems
• a ball launcher, which allows children who are unable to throw independently to play ball with others and with pets
• an app designed for children who have difficulty communicating, which provides a way for them to point to pictures on a tablet to clearly indicate their choices
• a mobile music therapy kit that enables children who are unable to play regular instruments to create music independently or as a group to simulate a “jam session”
• a device that looks like a small, spinning roulette wheel that helps children indicate choices and learn how to use an accessibility switch – a critical milestone for many kids who have difficulty communicating verbally
• a remote-control car that can be operated by children who do not have the dexterity to use a similar commercial toy
• a robotic grabber that assists children who do not have the ability to pick up and move everyday objects on their own.

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“This project has been a remarkable opportunity to make innovative technologies available that will benefit children with special needs around the province, whether they are located in rural communities or larger urban centres,” said Robin Syme, Executive Director of CanAssist.

The project is supported by a $1.5-million contribution from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and has allowed CanAssist to refine the seven prototypes and ship the technologies to the centres around B.C.

The full release can be found here.