Scott Shaw, the Game and Technology Specialist with Child Life at Nemours Children’s Hospital discussed how gaming can spark conversations, creativity, and friendship for patients at the hospital. We discussed the myth that gamers are quiet, loners or introverted, Scott suggests picking up a control and sharing a game to start a real conversation; everybody likes to talk about their interests. We talked about the benefits of video games at the hospital, it’s distraction for kids waiting for procedures or stuck in bed, it helps them relax and it’s a taste of normalcy, being a regular kid during play. He explained how his work with the Wilmington University’s Game Design and Development program helping students create and write their own games inspired him to find better ways to bring games to kids with physical limitations, whether temporary after a surgery or treatment or permanent. He described working with the art therapy staff at Nemours to use their 3D printer to create grips for a patient with hand limitations and now he challenges makers to consider accessible game pieces and controllers. He is also working on easier ways connecting the patients with each other for gaming, including their closed-circuit television network.
Games and Technology are an important part of the Child Life programming at Nemours Children’s Hospital, and insurance doesn’t pay for it. The Mix 99.5 WJBR Help Our Kids Radiothon is coming September 21 and 22 to benefit these vital programs.
To learn more visit Nemours.org