Microsoft Kinect Makes Exercise Work for Special Needs Schools
(SPORTS TECHNOLOGY)
Exercise in schools has always been a bit of a debate, with the importance of gym class going in and out of favor over the years. One aspect of the conversation that doesn’t get much attention, however, is where exercise comes in for special needs students.
Now new technology is being implemented in physical education classes specifically with the aim to help students at mental or physiological disadvantages.
One New York City private school uses Microsoft’s (News 
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Kinect uses several microphones and video lenses to locate the player’s body in front of the screen, and then determines the movements the student is making. This way, if a student kicks their leg in the air, on the screen they will see the soccer ball respond to that physical movement. This type of technology works wonders for special needs students.
“It’s a failure-free environment that you try, and 10 seconds later you get to go again,” said John Bracchi, physical education and health teacher at the Aaron School. “Being a special needs school, they have so many different issues, so many different needs, mostly social. The main fear in team sports is letting your teammate down. This is a way to be successful without letting anyone down.”
The Aaron School is focused to prepare special needs students for college, and exercise commonly falls through the cracks during the transition to college for all students – not just those with special needs.
“The main purpose of phys-ed is to keep the kids as active as possible, because once they graduate, it’s their choice to be active,” said Bracchi.
The reason Kinect works so well for special needs students is that eliminating the controller removes a barrier for some people with mobility and coordination difficulties. Using a controller is more of a mental, rather than physical practice, and so students can become easily discouraged before they even learn the rules of the game.
Sarah Tilly is a parent of one of the students at the Aaron School. Tilly recently explained why she thinks her son now enjoys gym: “I think because it uses technology, he is much more interested in getting involved.”
The numerous benefits seen with the Aaron School’s program suggest Kinect could mean big things both physically and socially for special needs students.
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Edited by Braden Becker
