In cooperation with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tourette Association of America (TAA) is pleased to offer a brand-new virtual program for youth and teens! The TAA has partnered with the online gaming company Boozted to launch a Minecraft server for youth and teens in the TS and Tic Disorder community for seven dates beginning in January and ending in April 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with TS or another Tic Disorder to come together, interact, and build a world made especially for them.
If you are interested in joining a Minecraft server, you must submit an application. Be sure to apply for the server created for your age group
Requirements for Participation:
- Must identify as a youth (ages 8-12) or a teen (ages 13-17) with Tourette Syndrome or another Tic Disorder.
- Must possess the ability to join the server (access to internet).
- For those who have not already purchased the game and are looking to do so, please use the link here. For those that would like to play and purchasing the game would be a hardship, please provide information on application in designated area for an opportunity have the TAA fund your purchase.
- Must be able to attend each gaming session (view attendance policy below) and engage appropriately in group settings.
- No purposefully harmful language: We understand children and teens in this event may experience coprolalia, which can cause involuntary language. Please be mindful and avoid using offensive language intentionally.
- Be kind to others: Treat all participants with respect and kindness. Let’s ensure everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience!
Attendance Policy:
By applying for this program it is understood that you and/or your child are making a commitment to attend all gaming sessions to the best of your ability and will notify either Alexandra Walsh ([email protected]) or Ivette De Aguiar ([email protected]) if you are unable to attend a session. Inability to communicate about your absence may result in potential removal from the group. Understand, this is a program deigned for individuals ages 8-17 with TS or another Tic Disorder and not for those younger or older than this set age range.
Session Dates/Times:
- January 10, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- January 24, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- February 7, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- February 21, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- March 7, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- March 21, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
- April 4, 2025
- Youth (ages 8-12) 7:00-8:00pm ET
- Teens (ages 13-17) 8:00-9:30pm ET
Noah Oakes, Moderator for teen server
Noah Oakes is 18 years old and has worked with the TAA since early-2023 when he was trained as a Youth Ambassador. In early-2024, he received training as a Rising Leader. As a Rising Leader, Noah works to spread advocacy about Tourette Syndrome to schools and organizations furthering public education. In his free time, he likes to relax by playing video games. Noah has played video games with his friends since he was little, so he understands the importance of a trusted gaming community. As a moderator for the TAA’s new Minecraft server, Noah hopes to provide a community where teens with TS or another Tic Disorder can log on and know that they are among people that understand what it means to tic.
Manny Perez, Moderator for youth server
*By registering for this program, you are agreeing to the Tourette Association of America’s Event Terms and Conditions.
