New Program Uses Virtual Reality to Help Students with Disabilities Explore Careers

Career exploration can be challenging for every teenager, but students with disabilities sometimes take a different path in exploring their career options and navigating education and preparation.

Now, The Center for Vocational Rehabilitation has another tool they can use to figure out what jobs would be great fits. Using virtual reality, students don't just hear about careers — they get to explore them via Meta Quest VR headsets, CareerViewXR, and TRANSFR VR career simulations. The technology helps them build confidence while preparing for competitive integrated employment.

They are exposed to hundreds of careers that they might otherwise not have learned about, and in an immersive, hands-on way far beyond traditional career fairs or classroom presentations. They have the information they need to make better decisions about training, education, and employment before they graduate.

The program is open to students ages 14–21 who are eligible or potentially eligible for Pre-Employment Transition Services in Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer counties.

CVR provides the program in schools. The partnering schools don't have to do much other than provide the space. CVR provides:

• Experienced instructors
• Equipment and technology
• Curriculum
• Hands-on learning experiences

The virtual reality experiences come after students complete interest inventories, discuss the labor market, learn how to advocate for their disabilities, review work readiness skills, and learn basic financial literacy. The virtual reality has several simulations across a wide array of industries, as well as some training in careers such as mechanics, electrical, engineering, health sciences, and more. Here's just one example:

Schools, families, and vocational rehabilitation counselors interested in bringing the program to their students are encouraged to contact the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation to learn more at cvrus.org/programs/supported-employment.

The program is funded through New Jersey's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) as part of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).