About Virtual Reality as Therapy

To help children enter a virtual reality world where they can adventure beyond the walls of the hospital. The virtual reality system uses an Oculus Rift headset and simple hand controls so patients can interact with fictional scenes that look and feel real, allowing for a more enjoyable hospital stay.

Virtual reality gives children and teens the ability to “escape” their illness by using applications that allows them to do things they never thought they would be able to.

Calendar

Check out our calendar for important dates & deadlines to become a VR Therapy Volunteer!

The calendar also allows you to see the days + times when the machine is available for use at Carle.

Requirements

Carle Student Volunteer Program

The most time-consuming & important step for starting with VR Therapy is becoming a Carle Student Volunteer (See more details). This process typically involves:

1. Application & Interview
   • Fill out the College Student Program application.

     Hint: When asked which dept. you prefer to work in, select a random one. VR Therapy is not listed as an option

   • Complete a brief in-person interview with Carle’s Volunteer Coordinator, Abby Brooks.

     When you attend the interview, notify Abby that you want to join VR Therapy

2. Immunizations
   • Get up-to-date on any required immunizations
   • Complete a 2-step TB test (requires 2 full weeks to finish)
3. Volunteer Orientation
   • Offered only at the beginning of each semester
   • Make sure you complete #1 in order to sign-up for an orientation date ASAP

Trainings

In addition to Carle’s College Volunteer requirements, the following need to be completed using the Oculus Rift: (x required sessions)

1. Mechanical Training (x1)
   • Helps familiarize you with the machine, sensors, and laptop. You should be able to completely setup and troubleshoot Oculus independently afterwards.
2. Play Training (x3)
   • Exposes you to the controls & visuals of Oculus as well as the variety of games available. Will help you categorize games into age groups & the playing requirements for each game.

Each of the above sessions last ~1 hour and take place on Carle’s Main Campus in Urbana. A total of 3-4 training sessions are a minimum before you can start volunteering solo, you’re always welcome to do more!

The above trainings can be completed before you have satisfied all requirements with Carle.

You must satisfy all Carle requirements before completing the final step:

1. First Shift/Observation
   • Your first time being with a patient, a student leader will work alongside you. This smooths your transition and ensures you’re ready to start volunteering solo.

Contact

Main Email: uiucvrtherapy@gmail.com

Student Leaders: Kelly Fahey, Madeline Link, Ryan McGowan & Nathan Petrikas

Carle Volunteer Services: volunteer.services@carle.com

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