Anthony Ilersich, a fourth-year computing and financial management student, is part of a team that developed a game to help kids overcome fears and anxiety about getting needles for vaccines.
Ilersich completed a co-op work placement with Immunize Canada, and then stayed on with the organization to support the launch of the video game, CARD.
The acronym CARD stands for comfort, ask, relax, and distract, and the game itself aims to both educate kids about what vaccines are and also to entertain and distract them when the time comes for the needle. CARD was launched as a partnership between Immunize Canada and the University of Toronto.
Ilersich's software and developing skills were a driving force behind the new game.
“The game has two big goals. One is to teach children aged 6 to 12, through playing the game, how to help cope with getting a needle,” said Ilersich. “The other is to be a distraction or calming tool for when they're feeling anxious.”
“The game is a virtual deck of cards with different tips. As you progress through, there is cute little characters to help you along. We also wove in mini games to be fun, distracting and calming. This keeps children motivated to continue with all the educational elements.”
Read more in the feature article in Waterloo News.