Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

73ResultsSince mid-2004, the VMI program has been demonstrated at six special schools, twocentres for the ageing, all five Novita regional offices, a selection of Novita outreach (nonmetropolitan)areas, a number of private homes, a local Scouting Group and at the openingof the new Adelaide Airport. These demonstrations have led to the development of long-term,ongoing partnerships with two of the special schools and one of the centres for the ageing,where VM is integrated into traditional daily therapy practice. Most of the feedback receivedduring demonstrations has been incorporated into the latest version of VMI (version1.5), a generally more stable program released in November 2006 with improved musicalfunctionality.Future plans for the VMI at Novita include securing a competitive research grant todemonstrate and measure the benefits it offers people with a disability and the ageing.ImplicationsThe VMI program has been embraced by a number of therapists in Adelaide and in somecases, incorporated into daily school routines to enhance traditional teaching and therapy.Many first time observers marvel at how the program works and intuitively note the benefits itoffers people with limited movement to engage in musical activity.NovitaTech is working with the team in Toronto to produce a commercial version of theprogram (due in late 2007) and are currently finalising an agreement with The University ofToronto to be the exclusive distributor for the program in Australia and New Zealand, and aco-distributor in Southeast Asia.StatusOngoingVMI trial at an Adelaide primaryschool