Western proudly supports the Sally Fitzgibbons Virtual Reality Art Therapy Experience charity launch event, presented by Devika
Renowned professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, in collaboration with tech company Devika Evenness, are set to unveil the Sally Fitzgibbons Art Therapy Experience, an innovative virtual reality (VR) experience designed to assist adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities in managing anxiety.
The launch event, to be held on Friday 12 July at the City Beach Function Centre in Wollongong, aims to unite NDIS and mental health organisations, schools, Occupational Therapists, and other health professionals to explore new VR technology.
Dr Caroline Mills and Professor Robert Gorkin from Western Sydney University’s Translational Health Research Institute co-led a world first pilot evaluation study in 2021 finding significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and sensory processing in adults with disabilities following the use of new Evenness Virtual Reality (VR) Sensory Room technology.
Following on from this research, Dr Mills says the application of immersive VR in the disability sector has exciting potential to inform new practices for organisations who support people with a neurodevelopmental disability.
“Our findings have shown that VR technology may offer a promising avenue for the provision of sensory interventions and an effective calming tool, with the most prominent benefit reported by users being a reduction in anxiety,” said Dr Mills.
Pro surfer and Olympian Sally Fitzgibbons has collaborated with Devika on the new Evenness Experience to share her connection to the ocean with as many people as possible.
“The ocean experience is for all. Those who can’t get out on the water due to disability or mental illness can still experience it through virtual reality,” said Sally.
The charity launch event for the Sally Fitzgibbons Art Therapy Experience will feature inspiring and informative panel talks with Dr Caroline Mills, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Lifeline Ambassador and Paralympian Sarah Walsh.
The launch will also include a special presentation of transformative VR therapy technology to The Disabled Surfers Association South Coast, a Wollongong based charity who supported Paralympian Sarah Walsh as she grew up.
To purchase tickets to the charity launch event of the Sally Fitzgibbons Art Therapy Experience, please click here (opens in a new window).
ENDS
25 June 2024
Image Credit: Devika
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