SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 14, 2011 —Drury architecture students were looking for ways to give back to their community when they began a partnership with the Beisner Vision Rehabilitation Center of the Ozarks (VRCO). As a result of this partnership, students were able to construct an interactive mural for visually impaired children who visit the center.
The mural operates as a panel system. Each panel has a different set of interactive activities so that children can further develop their senses despite their vision loss. When the four panels are put together the system acts as a mural that can also be converted into a magnetic chalkboard, which will allow instructors to further assist patients.
Vision Center Mural
The twelve students engaged in the project began work with VRCO as part of their involvement with Freedom by Design, a national organization that focuses on the service element of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). This organization aims to teach college students how to resolve accessibility issues while simultaneously providing them with real world experience.
Last year, this same group of students constructed a handicap ramp for a woman living on her own within the community. This ramp allowed her to enter and exit her home more easily. “Our hope is that we will be able to continue these projects for many years to come,” said Patrick Butler, a recent Drury graduate and former president of Freedom by Design.
Located in the center of Springfield, Mo., the Beisner Vision Rehabilitation Center of the Ozarks strives to provide people with vision loss the opportunity to live to their potential and have a more independent quality of life. To learn more about this organization visit its website at: http://www.beisnervisionrehab.org/
Media Contact: Patrick Butler, Former President, Drury Freedom by Design, Mobile: (417) 631-8947, E-mail: pbutler85@gmail.com
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