How Virtual Reality transforms vocational rehabilitation
LONDON, March 31, 2021
Bodyswaps has partnered with Viability, Link To VR, CleanBox and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to deliver Project (VR)², a virtual reality training initiative designed to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities and other societal disadvantages. This first-of-its-kind VR project will help an under-served population build the vital skills required to advance their ability to gain and maintain employment.
As part of the programme, individuals are invited to take part in immersive simulations where they embody virtual characters and practise their skills in realistic workplace scenarios. This includes practising classic job interview questions and learning to communicate a request with impact and clarity.
The simulations have been created by Bodyswaps, a London-based Edtech start-up specialised in soft skills training. Bodyswaps leverages VR and AI to empower learners to practise autonomously, in a safe environment and, uniquely, to watch themselves back from a new perspective.
As Kristin Rotas, Viability’s director, put it “In VR learners are able to take risks and try new things without the fear of judgement. It’s helping them overcome their fears, build confidence, gain skills, and begin to advocate for themselves.”
For Bodyswaps’ CEO Christophe Mallet, "The emotional impact of VR is what gets people engaged but it's this approach of encouraging exploration through mistakes and self-reflection that really builds the confidence necessary to change one's behavior. That ultimately is what will make the difference in an interview or unexpected work situation.”
With (VR)², Viability can give its members with disabilities a chance to break the barriers to employment access and inclusion. This can change their outlook on earning a living, having a sense of purpose and, more generally, contribute to societal equity.
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About the partners
Partners of the virtual collaborative include Link To VR, Bodyswaps, CleanBox and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC).
Through the help of firms such as Link To VR and CleanBox, Viability has safely deployed the VR project in the midst of Covid-19. CleanBox uses UVC rays to eradicate 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, essentially decontaminating the headset for reuse.
To help manage the deployment, Viability called on Link To VR, a leading spatial computing company with offices in Boston, MA.
To learn more about Project (VR)2, contact Kristin Rotas at Viability, krotas@viability.org, or register here to attend a complimentary online event highlighting the collaborative effort on May 25 at 4:30pm (GMT).
About Viability
Viability is a community-based human-services agency providing employment services, vocational and life-skills training, and other supports to more than 4,000 individuals across five US states. Viability partners with more than 600 employers and leverages community resources to overcome barriers with a mission of helping to build a world where individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages can realise their full potential.
About Bodyswaps
Bodyswaps is an award-winning immersive learning platform designed to deliver lasting behavioural change. Bodyswaps’ VR solutions create a safe space where learners can practise soft skills, with AI-enabled analytical feedback to accelerate personal development. Since 2019, London-based Bodyswaps has helped a wide range of organisations deliver measurable value by building more empathic workplaces and fostering greater inclusivity.
For more information, visit www.bodyswaps.co or follow us: Linkedin (BODYSWAPS) and Twitter (BODYSWAPS_VR).
Press contact
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