General News
8 July, 2022
VR training to support people with disabilities
THE cutting-edge world of Virtual Reality (VR) arrived in Cairns on July 1 to assist people with disabilities in developing employment and life skills in a safe environment.
Disability service provider Endeavour Foundation will launch a new range of training modules that use VR technology to help people with disabilities develop skills and confidence in crucial employment-related areas. Endeavour Foundation CEO David Swain said the training was essential as just 53% of people with disabilities had jobs in Australia, compared to 84% of people without disabilities.
Mr Swain said Endeavour Foundation was contributing more than 70 visual learning programs for people with intellectual disabilities focused on preparing individuals for work.
“This incredible, visually spectacular technology enables people to develop work and life skills in a safe environment before testing their abilities in the real world,” Mr Swain said.
“It is a game-changing technology that has proven life-changing as well.”
The VR training programs were developed to complement the work at Endeavour Foundation’s local social enterprise – warehouse safety, how to drive a forklift, and document destruction. Other programs include how to use an ATM, cross the road safely, catch a bus or train, and driver training.
The Cairns Virtual Reality Learning hub was established with an $8000 Commonwealth Government Stronger Communities grant supported by local Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch MP.
“Once again, the great Stronger Communities program is delivering real-time training opportunities for those who may not otherwise have been able to receive the training right here in Cairns,” Mr Entsch said.
“It’s certainly the way of the future, and I am really keen to see the benefits this opens up for the trainees.”
Endeavour Foundation is also working with community partners to introduce the VR technology into schools across Queensland, particularly in rural and regional areas where students can learn barista and agricultural skills.
Mr Swain said the programs were initially developed for people with intellectual disabilities but had proved to be a hit with school students of all ages.
“The students enjoy it because it is similar to playing a video game, but they’re learning important skills at the same time,” he said.
“The goal is for people to increase their confidence and work skills so they can consider employment opportunities in other areas.”
