Wii for the Wounded?!!

Teenagers and families aren't the only ones going wild for Wii. Whole-body video game systems like Wii can help wounded warriors recover! As part of its expanded mission, Project Valour-IT is working to ensure the wounded have access to the Wii systems and other technologies that support their recovery.

While continuing to supply voice-controlled laptops, and working closely with the Department of Defense caseworkers and medical personnel, Valour-IT is now committed to supplying Wii game systems and GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) systems to severely wounded veterans.

Video games and GPS systems may be luxuries or toys for some people, but they can have a powerful effect on a wounded soldier's recovery and independence. Physical therapists report Wii Sports and similar programs are extremely motivational and helpful when used in physical therapy, but they are not standard equipment in military hospitals. Wounded personnel with short-term memory loss due to TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and severe PTSD use personal and vehicle GPS systems to keep from getting lost or disoriented when they move to more independent living after initial in-hospital recovery.

Sound too crazy to be true? Here's what a chief of rehabilitative medicine said after receiving two Wii systems from Soldiers' Angels, not long after SA became aware of the need:

We are aware of many colleagues throughout the Veterans Affairs medical system who have developed dynamic Wii programs in multiple areas, including PolyTrauma, Spinal Cord Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury, and Long Term Care...Wii gaming has great potential for physical, mental and emotional well-being. We are delighted to receive this support from Soldiers' Angels.

Click to see the entire letter: