Toys as Tools for Therapy

From the Providence Business News, July 14, 2008:

In the fall of 2006, a class that included both Brown and RISD students took on the task of designing therapeutic toys, and at the end of the term, the team got a grant from the R.I. Science and Advisory Technology Council to pursue a particularly promising set of concepts: toy controls for games that would rely on the use of the wrist and forearms.

Working with Susan D’Andrea, of Afferent Corp., and David Durfee, of Bay Computer Associates, the team developed several prototypes, adding data-logging capabilities that allow researchers to study the extent of use and the arm movements and also measure the outcome.

They tested the toys at the Hasbro rehab center and at the Meeting Street School, and last month, they unveiled the prototypes at an open house event and launched a small-scale study: 20 children ages 5 to 12, including Jyomi, will get toys to take home and play with.

The team is also seeking funding for a full clinical trial, preferably at multiple sites across the country, but if not, at least with a larger number of children in Rhode Island, Crisco said.

For the complete article, see www.pbn.com.