Columbia City, Ind. — Easterseals Northeast Indiana Columbia City is proud to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Whitley County to support innovative programming that combines technology, inclusion, and skill-building. The funding will be used to further develop esports and virtual reality (VR) initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities.
As part of the national ES Gaming initiative, Easterseals Columbia City is leading efforts to incorporate esports into day-to-day programming, offering participants a unique and engaging way to build vital life and job-readiness skills. Esports is much more than just gaming—it fosters collaboration, communication, leadership, critical thinking, team building, and cognitive agility. These are essential, transferable skills that can directly support an individual’s journey toward meaningful employment and independent living.
With this new support from the Community Foundation of Whitley County, Easterseals Columbia City will expand access to inclusive gaming opportunities designed specifically for people with disabilities. By creating a space where players of all abilities can connect, compete, and grow, the program promotes both skill development and social inclusion.
In addition to esports, the grant will help Easterseals Columbia City introduce immersive virtual reality experiences into its career development and training programs. VR technology offers a hands-on, interactive way for individuals to explore different careers and develop specific job-related skills in a safe, supportive environment. Participants will have the opportunity to “step into” various occupations, better understand the tasks and demands of different roles, and practice the skills necessary to succeed in those fields.
This investment in cutting-edge programming reflects Easterseals Columbia City’s ongoing commitment to preparing individuals with disabilities for competitive, community-based employment. By integrating esports and virtual reality into its services, Easterseals Columbia City continues to create new pathways for growth, connection, and inclusion.