It will be presented at the 1st children’s festival of the Union “Together for the Child”
When we visit a coffee shop, we meet the patrons drinking coffee and talking, we enjoy the music that sonically “dresses” the space and notice the color decoration on the walls. The recruiters, however, may not be the same for people on the autism spectrum. Loud sounds or bright colors can cause them anxiety.
Through an autism simulator children over the age of ten and adults can enter the world of people on the autism spectrum. The creator of this virtual reality application is “Society for Helping People with Autism SPOSA Bratislava”, a Slovakian association of parents, representing the interests of children and adults on the autism spectrum. In Greece, the virtual reality company VR Planet presents the simulator to therapists, teachers and students in schools.
As the manager of the company explains to APE-MBE, Georgia Polia, the autism simulator takes us through a one-minute experience in the shoes of a person living on the autism spectrum “and we experience first-hand and personally the truly ‘hostile’ and inhospitable environment that we have ignorantly created for these people in our societies” . As he adds, “not knowing the specific characteristics of the spectrum, such as hyperacusis, i.e. increased hearing, or photosensitivity, we act with reduced empathy and this lack is covered by this specific simulator”.
Ms. Polia explains the enormous potential of virtual reality in cultivating empathy. For example, in a corresponding virtual reality application developed by the University of Wales and presented by the same company, a journey of understanding is attempted into the way of thinking of people with dementia and their constant regression between the past and the confusing reality of today.
The autism simulator will be presented in collaboration with Center for Special People (KEA) “Hara” at the 1st children’s festival “Together… and in the game!” organized by the Union “Together for the Child” tomorrow, Sunday 16 October, from 10.30 am. until 6.30 p.m. at the National Gymnastic Association (opposite Zappio).
KEA Chara, a member of the “Together for the Child” Union, was founded in 1983 by parents of people with severe disabilities, and today hosts 57 adults with disabilities, offering them both educational and recreational activities.
The social worker of KEA “Hara”, Maria Kotsini, speaking to APE-MPE, he characterizes the autism simulator as “an educational tool of empathy for parents, children and therapists”. He also emphasizes that through the simulator, as well as additional workshops that will accompany it at the festival, “we want to show that all people are different and we want children to have eyes and minds open to accept all people. Each person, depending on their particularity, is unique and deserves many opportunities”.
The festival “Together… and in the game!” is aimed at children aged two to twelve and aims to embrace diversity and highlight the concepts of solidarity and empathy in children.
During the festival, young visitors will have the opportunity to be entertained in a specially designed area with a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, rope bridges and “spider” nets, bouncy castles, bubble shows and magicians.
Carmen Ruggeri will read the book “Renia and the Diabetes that didn’t cycle” for the Panhellenic Union Fight against Juvenile Diabetes. Phoivos Delivorias will sing some of their favorite tunes with the children, while the Burger Project duo will also perform several songs.
Also, the nine member unions of the Together for Children Union will present workshops with musical games, physical activities, constructions with plasticine, clay and plaster, cooking, origami and first aid. Road races for children will also be organized, accompanied by the world champion, Paralympic athlete, Michalis Seitis.
The proceeds will be allocated to support the project of “Together for the Child”. The organization is under the auspices of the municipality of Athens. It is noted that there will be free parking with the presentation of the ticket in Aigli and exclusively for the disabled at the entrance of the National Gymnastics Association from Ardittos Street.
RES-EMP
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