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Students at Oklahoma School for the Blind Play Video Games (5-1-07)

MUSKOGEE, Okla. - A kid is a kid. Whether or not he can see 20/20 makes no difference. He still wants to do all the things other kids do, even playing video games. Now, some students at the Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) in Muskogee, OK are getting to do just that and researchers say it could prove to be good for them.

Vanderbilt University researchers began the Preventing Underutilized Perception in Low-Vision (PUPIL) Project at the school on March 27, 2007. This five-week research project offers low-vision students access to an experimental training program. The program uses video games and is based on published research that showed substantial visual improvements for normally-sighted individuals. The training sessions are designed to amplify the students’ ability to process visual information.

“If this research can prove that people with vision impairments can train their eyes and mind so that they actually see better or improve their mobility, we want to be a part of the discovery,” Karen Kizzia, OSB superintendent, said. “Our philosophy is that our students deserve the best and we are willing to be a part of the latest research to provide it.

“The added bonus is that kids are enjoying themselves,” Kizzia said. “Regardless of the results of the study, this has been a win-win situation for the students due to the fact that they are taking an active role in today’s research.”

The PUPIL Project pre-tested the students’ vision and mobility prior to starting the training. Students will play video games for one hour each day for ten days. Then they will be tested again on their vision and mobility to check for any improvement.

Stanley Hodge, OSB 11th grader from Oklahoma City, said, “I signed up for the project because it sounded interesting. Now that I am in the project it’s fun and I feel that it will improve my use of my vision.”

Oklahoma School for the Blind, a division of Department of Rehabilitation Services, offers a comprehensive curriculum of reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education, music and computer science for residential and day students. Specialized instruction includes: braille, orientation and mobility, optimum use of low vision, adaptive equipment and technology, and tactile graphic skills. For more information call (877) 229-7136.

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