Video games are a cherished part of childhood. From arcade games to home consoles and pocket-sized devices, they offer a way for kids to bond, whether playing solo, with friends from school, or with players worldwide.

Kyran, a recent patient at Ranken Jordan, loved video games. However, due to mobility and dexterity issues with his hands, he struggled to use a controller independently. Despite his parents’ efforts with an adaptive controller, Kyran found it challenging and settled for watching others play.

At Ranken Jordan, Kyran met our recreation therapy team.  Recreation therapy at Ranken Jordan integrates children’s leisure and recreation interests into therapy goals, embodying our Care Beyond the Bedside® philosophy.  Our certified recreation therapists provide specialized programming and activities to help children adapt to a “new normal” after an injury or illness and prepare them to return home. Therapy varies based on patients’ needs and includes group activities as well as individual activities.

Sean Wenos, a recreational therapist at Ranken Jordan for 10 years, learned about Kyran’s love for video games. Knowing Kyran hadn’t been able to play on his own, Sean saw an opportunity to help. Ranken Jordan has various adaptive controllers with different types of buttons and switches. Sean worked with Kyran to find a suitable controller and experimented with several games. After some trial and error, they found a game Kyran could play on his own. Kyran’s joy was undeniable, and he could not stop smiling after accomplishing a goal he thought was out of reach.

Recreation therapy improves children’s social and emotional health and builds confidence as children achieve more function and a better quality of life. Kyran’s joy exemplifies how Ranken Jordan goes beyond medical care to ensure our patients thrive and reach their full potential in every aspect of their lives. Letting kids be kids is a vital part of their healing.