Contact: Kenneth Billings
During a 10:30 a.m. ceremony Tuesday [May 6], representatives of the Mississippi District of Pilot International and its student affiliate, the Mississippi District Anchor Clubs, will present donations to Mississippi State's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability.
The gifts will go toward a new therapeutic motor laboratory already under construction. Martin Center director Janie Cirlot-New said the organizations' support will do much to help raise the $103,000 required to fully fund the project.
"It is an honor to be recognized by both of these fine organizations," Cirlot-New added. "We are proud to have them as partners in providing this vital new therapeutic tool for our students and teachers."
Essentially a highly specialized playground, the new facility will provide an outside environment for children enrolled in the program to work on motor therapy goals such as running, climbing and walking in a low-stress atmosphere. It also will enhance the Martin Center's ongoing efforts in its Project Impact for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Project Impact provides evaluation and intervention services for those with cognitive, language, social skills, motor development, and self-help needs. Primary funding for the project was provided by a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi and individual fundraising efforts spearheaded by Jim Wilson of Columbus.
The project operates under the auspices of the state Department of Health and its First Steps Early Intervention System, and the Mississippi Department of Education.
For more information, contact Cirlot-New at 662-325-1028 or visit www.tkmartin.msstate.edu .
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.