SESQUI’S VR APP MERIDIAN BRINGS ITS VISUAL SYMPHONY TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY

THE BOB RUMBALL CANADIAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE DEAF HOSTS A 360° VR OPEN HOUSE DURING THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DEAF

TORONTO, ON – Sept 19, 2017 – SESQUI – a signature Canada 150 initiative, teams up with the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf during this International Week of the Deaf (September 18th to 24th) to help the Deaf community explore Canada, technology and the power of storytelling.

On Tuesday September 19th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, SESQUI will be coming to the Deaf community with their Virtual Reality Exhibit at the Rumball Centre. The Centre is located at 2395 Bayview Avenue, in Toronto. It is open to the public and free admission for all.

The exhibit will be anchored by the 22-minute 360° film HORIZON, which will be experienced by nearly a million Canadians in 2017, SESQUI’s MERIDIAN VR app also features five original stories that immerse the viewer in a powerful 360° film experience and pushes the envelope of both cinema and VR. The visual spendour can be appreciated by a broad range of Canadians.

“We’re excited about the capacity of our VR app to reach out to communities like the Deaf,” said Joanne Loton, Executive Producer, SESQUI. “It’s just one more example of our immersive technology and storytelling helping people see and experience Canada like they haven’t before. We are so happy to be joining the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf during this special Canada 150 moment.”

Available for download now, MERIDIAN VR is completely free, and offers interactive Canadian stories and pushes the boundaries of participatory storytelling through immersive media.

“Innovation and technology has done wonders to provide advantages to a Deaf community that were never there before. Communication, social interaction, and life experience have been enhanced so quickly in recent years. The opportunity to see all parts of Canada in a virtual reality setting will be a new memorable experience. What is new and exciting today will most likely become the norm in the days to come. It’s with great thanks and appreciation that our community had a chance to experience this wonderful technology.” — Derek Rumball, President of the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf

SESQUI has been making tours from coast to coast to coast with an inflatable hemispherical dome, as well as their Virtual Reality exhibits. This open house will also include other activities:

  • Free Introductory Adult Sign Language Lesson at 4:00 pm
  • Coffee/Tea AND delicious SMOOTHIES by the Day Program
  • Bake Sale and Crafts by Adult Education
  • Children’s Activities by the Family Resource Centre
  • Information Booths:
    – Developmental Services
    – Educational Programs
    – Seniors Services
    – PAH Children/Youth and Families Mental Health
    – Volunteering
    – The Ontario Camp of the Deaf

SESQUI’s app can be downloaded today for free at:

 

ABOUT SESQUI

With a vision to see and understand Canada in new and inspiring ways: SESQUI is a revolutionary

360° cinematic journey into the heart of Canada. SESQUI aims to engage millions of Canadians through its full dome and virtual reality content, online activities and learning programs that showcase the best in Canadian arts and innovation. SESQUI is a Canada 150 Signature Initiative poised to lead celebrations in Canadian communities this year. www.sesqui.ca, #SESQUI2017 #MERIDIANVR

 

ABOUT THE BOB RUMBALL CANADIAN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE DEAF

The Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf (formerly the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf) was the first facility of its kind, and for over 30 years it has provided the Deaf Community a space without communication barriers. Within this space an educational, independent living, and a social environment for the Deaf has blossomed. From its starting point as a community recreation facility, the Bob Rumball Centre has expanded into offering a range of specialized services to those within the Deaf Community that require support. These include seniors’, those with developmental, physical, health, or mental health issues, infants and young children, and newcomers to Canada. These programs and services are often unique, and offer the access to care, education, and socialization that improves quality of life for Deaf people.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

SESQUI

Mike Maloney |SESQUI PR Director

mmaloney@sesqui.ca | 902-225-4989

 

The Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf

Derek Rumball | BRCCED President

info@bobrumball.org | 416-449-9651

 

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