Niagara College, Brock develop virtual reality tool to educate about ableism

Niagara College and Brock University have partnered to create a virtual reality tool to help students understand the lived experiences of those with disabilities on post-secondary campuses.

The collaboration titled “IT’S AN IDEA” (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) was developed by a team of Niagara-area educators to give students a window into the lives of people with disabilities, to raise awareness about ableist interactions and to learn about appropriate responses and strategies for challenging ableism.

The project was developed and tested by Niagara College professors Theresa Anzovino and Jamie Oresar, as well as Brock’s Dr. Maureen Connolly.

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“As NC employees with disabilities, it was important to us that the simulations be centered on authentic lived experiences of the disability community. Using the power of immersive VR, for a moment, you are able to get a firsthand glimpse of how ableism, microaggressions, and systemic obstacles can affect people with disabilities.” says McEwen.

Through headsets with handheld controls or an accessible PC version, students can partake in an immersive perspective-taking experience that focuses on a range of barriers, including physical, architectural and attitudinal ones.

The simulations were programmed by Niagara Falls-based e-learning company Xpert VR and tested by groups within each institution and members of different disability communities.

In the first simulation, a student has experienced a concussion and encounters players who advise them on how to work through recovery and a return-to-learn plan.

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The second has players take the role of a professor and meet with a student asking for a letter of accommodation.

A third simulation provides the experience of a student with low vision who uses a mobility aid who comes to the parking office to discuss their concerns.

The final simulation works to challenge assumptions about wheelchair usage as players take on the role of a security staff member engine with a student who has issued a formal complaint.

“In today’s world, it is essential to work on projects that promote equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility,” said Evan Sitler, CEO and Co-Founder of Xpert VR. “Our aim is for this project to have a substantial impact on Ontario institutions and eventually extend to other institutions and people worldwide.”

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