TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Stepping into a new world at the touch of a button, Sportsability Alliance is launching a new virtual reality program for kids with disabilities.
The alliance helps provide recreational activities to people of all abilities. This week, it’s launching its new virtual Sportsability Park. The park is a partnership between SportsAbility Alliance and Covalent.
“Now, more than ever, VR can be used to make distance irrelevant,” said Covalent founder, Thomas Jackson. “In our park, users from all of the world and all walks of life can connect simultaneously and engage with one another.
Trying new things can be scary, but Sportsability Park is meant to make their first step a little easier. Project Developers are hoping that the confidence they learn behind the goggles will carry over into everyday life
Trey Bell and Connor Yeatts geared up to transport into a new world Wednesday.
“People will not only have fun and learn about recreation opportunities, and adaptive recreation opportunities, but then it will motivate them to go participate in the actual opportunity,” said Executive Director of Sportsability Alliance, Laurie Gussack.
Gussack said the program provides important engagement for those with disabilities where it otherwise may not be possible.
“During the pandemic people are stressed, they’re home, and this is a release. It’s a way to meet up with different people from familiar sports like hiking or basketball, to new adventures,” added Gussack.
Sportsability is a window to new experiences.
“It makes sports accessible for all types of people no matter what your disability is,” said Co-owner of Future Pathways, Amanda Lewis.
She said the park is just the beginning for how this technology can help clients build a better future.
“Job training, independent living skills training. What if we could use that as a new training tool before going out into the real world and doing things?” said Lewis.
The Sportsability Park is accessible and free for anyone to use, and you do not need a VR headsets, while they do allow a more immersive experience, but you can interact in the park right online.
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