Patients learn about the Lion’s Den Room when
they first check into the hospital. They receive
an eye-catching “smart” card that tells them
they are members of a special community with
unique privileges.
The key is an ID device that allows each child
to personalize their experience within the
Lion’s Den Room. When patients use their key to
enter the main activity area, they are greeted
with a gentle flourish of sound and lights. The
room is set up with areas for group games, pods
for semi-private conversations, and individual
computer stations unlike any they’ve ever seen
before. Stations are equipped with a keyboard
and other input devices such as drawing tablets,
touch pads and joysticks, all on flexible
supports that children can easily adjust for
their comfort.
Children log-on to computer stations using their
“key” and are greeted. The “smart” function of
the key makes sure they are directed to content
and activities that suit their age level.
Children can participate in semi-private video
conference “pods” with classmates, their
parents, or other family members. Some children
may opt to collaborate on an animation project
available on the network. Still others may elect
to challenge other online participants in games
and tasks. The children can also choose from
more than 150 movies available on the system.
The system also remembers children from one
visit to the next, so they can pick up an
activity wherever they left off.
Special Events
One of the more unique aspects of the Lion’s Den
Room, is to allow children to meet their heroes,
celebrities and role models during their
hospital stays. Regular visits and online
interactions with these special “Companions” can
be delivered to each room via videoconference
technology. For instance, if Pat LaFontaine
visits children in Buffalo, that visit can be
streamed live to all of the other Lion’s Den
Rooms on the network. This capability expands
the reach of special visitors to children’s
hospitals located anywhere on the network.
An Oasis for Connection and Activity
The Lion’s Den environment is a place where
hospitalized children can connect with the
people and activities of their normal lives. It
offers children opportunities for play,
communication and creativity and is responsive
to each patient’s particular interests. An oasis
from the poking and prodding often associated
with hospital stays, the Lion’s Den Room
provides a brief respite to allow a kid to be a
kid. |
