Joseph Robert Shaw Foundation Inc

In FY 2023 Joey's Foundation committed to providing a total of $25,000 in travel funds for patients to get to and from their research sessions using the PediaCORE system at Kennedy Krieger Institute. The success of the clinical trials requires gathering data from a large number of participants. Removing the barrier of transportation would allow a greater number of patients to enroll and participate in free physical therapy. Current treatment options for children with movement disorders can be costly and fail to fully engage young participants. PediaCORE is a system developed by the staff at Kennedy Krieger Institute based on discussions with engineers and pediatric physical therapists. It is an affordable, touch-interactive device with customizable games to engage young children in physical therapy goal-driven exercises. Kennedy Krieger is currently studying how the dosage of training with the PediaCORE system compares to traditional physical therapy. This is an important step towards optimizing dose to produce meaningful change in movement control. A significant number of visits are necessary for patients to complete the study. Funds from Joey's Foundation will ensure 30 research participants have transportation for 12 study sessions. This support will have a positive impact on both the patients and families who will benefit from PediaCORE as well as the research team. Clinical trials hold promise for patients to have better, more fulfilling lives through the discovery of new therapies. The knowledge gleaned could impact hundreds of thousands of individuals with developmental brain disorders.

Joey's Foundation is committed to support Kennedy Krieger Institute and its life-changing work. The Institute treats children, adolescents and young adults with neurological injuries and conditions that impact how they think, move, speak, learn and interface with the world. Kennedy Krieger has over 80 programs, including a hospital and schools that serve nearly 30,000 patients and students each year. Their scientists lead over 700 active research studies, investigating new treatments, interventions and innovation. Their collaborative model creates a unique, interdisciplinary approach to whole-child care.

Joey's Corner provides books for children with and without disabilities. The organization is engaged in the creation and distribution of multisensory adaptive books for children with motor skill impairment. Adapted text and symbol-supported versions of reading material will bring books to life in a visual and physical way. Props like puppets or toys enhance a story and increase understanding. Renovated, laminated copies of image or characters make the reading material interactive. Finally, the use of speech-generating devices aligned to a text will increase interaction and understanding of the story. Multisensory books are creative, fun and enhance comprehension.