Virtual reality helps underserved population find employment

April 21, 2021 | Carolyn Noel
cnoel@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD/EAST LONGMEADOW – Viability, a Springfield-based human service provider, and Link to VR, an XR media agency with offices in East Longmeadow, have teamed up to help an underserved population gain critical job skills. Project (VR)² uses virtual reality to put those with disabilities and other societal disadvantages into soft-skill training simulations.

The project is a learning platform that allows these individuals to be completely immersed into potential interview situations where they can learn how to react under stress, interact with others, have the advantage of being in a situation without it being real and help them both get and keep jobs.
Edward Zemba, CEO of Link To VR, said the project started by seeking an answer to a question.

"How can we leverage virtual reality as a way to help give those kids a little bit of an edge in the workforce and give them an opportunity to learn and better understand how to do interviews, conflict resolution and things like that using a simulator as a way to do it?” he said.

Thus, Project (VR)² was born.

“How do you teach empathy? How do you teach how to deal with a challenging circumstance where somebody might bring something difficult to the conversation and maybe you’re somebody that hasn’t had a lot of practice in working with those kinds of scenarios? So what is great about virtual reality is that it doesn’t get offended. You can go into virtual reality and practice without being judged by your peers. You can go in and watch how you are doing and self-manage or work with a counselor who can help you with all of that,” said Zemba.

Viability’s primary focus is helping the families and kids they work with that are dealing with disabilities and other disadvantages, however, Zemba said this virtual reality project could also be brought to schools.

“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.” said Kristin Rotas, Viability director, in a press release.

Project (VR)² is an ongoing project that Zemba said will continue to expand into 2022 and beyond.

In order to keep the project safe for all with COVID-19, Viability and Link to VR have taken extra precautions. Link To VR brought in Nashville-based Cleanbox Technology as a partner in the project.

The Cleanbox is used to clean the virtual reality headset after each use. According to a press release, “Cleanbox uses UVC rays to eradicate 99.999 percent of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, essentially decontaminating the headset for reuse.”

Zemba said he is proud of the people this project has been able to help and will be able to help in the future.

“I am most excited about the next time I get to sit down with some of the students who have gone through the program. The last time I got a chance to meet with some of the students, they were very excited and they took a lot from the experience. It’s very fulfilling for myself and the team members,” he said. “These types of projects are the ones that go to the heart and give you that sense of purpose and that, maybe, with everybody’s efforts we’re making this world just a little bit of a better place and making it a little easier on some of these young kids that are otherwise dealing with some challenges.”

Those interested in learning more about Project (VR)² can contact Shaily Prajapati at shaily.p@linktovr.com or register for a free, virtual event that will take place on May 25 at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cWVMkcZbSVadt_eJR_fMag.

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