{"id":83,"date":"2024-10-04T21:10:23","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T21:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/innovations\/?page_id=83"},"modified":"2024-10-08T00:16:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T00:16:35","slug":"verse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/innovations\/verse\/","title":{"rendered":"VERSE: Virtual Environments for Realistic Simulated Experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"

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This project leverages virtual environments to help neurodivergent students across Florida and the nation build confidence in real-world settings. By co-designing with autistic communities, the tools are tailored for maximum impact, promoting inclusion and empowerment. The virtual practice aims to translate into real-world success, enhancing educational, social, and professional opportunities, and contributing to a more inclusive society.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/verse\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Visit the VERSE website ” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”17px” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#CC4927″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”100px” button_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/education.ufl.edu\/innovations\/files\/2024\/10\/NNewbutt_IKao_MFrancois_ZLarson_ELTLab-1024×683-1.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height=”0px” height_tablet=”400px” height_phone=”400px” height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”31px||35px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Empowering Neurodivergent Students Through VR<\/h1>\n

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This project will have a transformative impact on students across Florida and the nation, with a strong emphasis on supporting neurodivergent individuals, who make up 25% of the U.S. population. By utilizing virtual environments as safe spaces for practicing real-world skills, we are offering a crucial resource for students who may experience anxiety or discomfort in traditional settings. Virtual reality, along with other digital tools, provides these students with opportunities to build confidence in navigating challenging environments.<\/p>\n

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Americans are neurodiverse<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Our approach is grounded in collaboration with autistic communities to co-design these virtual experiences, ensuring that the tools are precisely tailored to meet the unique needs of their users. This partnership maximizes the effectiveness of the project and fosters greater inclusion by creating pathways for neurodivergent students to succeed in educational, social, and professional environments.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato|300|||||||” text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.6em” background_color=”#E5E5E5″ custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.researcher {|| font-weight: 900; || letter-spacing: 2px; || text-transform: uppercase;|| font-size: 14px; ||}” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”]”All of this is about providing access. The experience of going to a restaurant or museum with family or friends is part of life, and if you\u2019re not able to do that, it limits the opportunities and ambitions that a young person has.”
\nNigel Newbutt, Ph.D.<\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Beyond individual empowerment, this initiative seeks to reshape real-world spaces by educating communities on neurodiversity and promoting a culture of inclusivity. By bridging the gap between virtual practice and real-world application, we are broadening access to educational, social, and career opportunities for students across Florida and nationwide, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.<\/p>\n

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