WESLACO, Texas - Capable Kids Foundation CEO Bobbie Krynicki has welcomed a $20,000 donation aimed at helping children and young adults with disabilities practice and develop soft skills through virtual reality technology.
The donation comes from IGT, a global leader in gaming. Krynicki said the funding will enable Capable Kids to expand their acquisition of mobile virtual reality headsets and laptops, software, training for their staff, and ongoing program evaluation.
“At Capable Kids, we are dedicated to helping children and young adults with disabilities build friendships, increase confidence, and acquire vital life skills so they can be an active part of society, not apart from it. We are deeply appreciative of IGT’s generous donation, which will help create a safe and engaging environment where the people we serve can practice and develop critical skills they need to succeed,” Krynicki said.
The Capable Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to the inclusion of children and young adults with special needs in all environments within the Rio Grande Valley It was established in 2015 by a group of speech, physical and occupational therapists to help bridge the gap in inclusive services available to children and young adults with disabilities and their families within the RGV.
IGT is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "IGT," and its holding company headquarters are in the United Kingdom, with operating headquarters in Rome, Italy; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Providence, Rhode Island. According to the company’s website, IGT attracts the industry’s top talent, with approximately 10,500 employees across the globe.
Joseph Lapinski, IGT Account Development Manager in Texas, said his company’s donation to Capable Kids will support a series of virtual reality simulations that mimic real-world social situations, such as job interviews, group discussions, workplace interactions or travel and adventure.
“Equipping individuals with disabilities with the proper tools and confidence to use them has a profound impact in helping our communities flourish,” Lapinski said. “IGT is proud to support Capable Kids in its mission to enhance the lives of Texans with disabilities. Through this important partnership, we hope to cultivate community learning where individuals with disabilities are included and can thrive in social and professional environments.”
He said the primary objectives of the new Virtual Reality and Technology Lab for Empowerment include:
• Social Skills Development
• Enhance Communication Skills
• Foster Empathy and Understanding
• Empowerment through Experience
• Work Readiness
• Build Confidence
Lapinski said the After School Advantage (ASA) program is IGT’s flagship community initiative, devoted to providing young people with access to technology in a safe, nurturing afterschool environment, while promoting opportunities in digital learning centers in communities where the Company operates. Lapinski said the ASA program creates shared value in providing non-profit community agencies and public schools with digital learning centers, addressing the increased digital learning needs of today’s young people.
The Rio Grande Guardian recently interviewed Krynicki to learn about the Capable Kids’ work. In the interview, Krynicki said Capable Kids is dedicated to empowering Texans with disabilities – including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays and physical disabilities – by providing them with essential life skills to succeed in social and professional environments and positively contribute to their communities.
She explained that the group offers three primary programs: CK Sports, CK Social, and CK Impact. She said all three help address the lack of inclusive sporting and social opportunities for children and young adults within the RGV.
