Co-Creating Virtual Experiences: Fostering Inclusivity and Empathy Building

Virtual reality (VR) can provide transformative educational experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). To leverage this aspect in higher education, a team of faculty members and a transitional university program collaborated to integrate VR into their support systems. The initial VR experience sessions led to the development of specialized VR applications designed to support individuals with ID and raise awareness about their needs in the university setting. We detail a co-design process resulting in two VR projects: one for enhancing job interview skills and another for building empathy by simulating challenges faced by individuals with ID. This program highlights the effectiveness of inclusive participatory design in VR development, demonstrating how cross-ability collaboration leads to more accessible and relevant technological solutions. Our findings underscore VR's potential for skill development and fostering empathy, while contributing to the broader discourse on inclusive technology development and promoting a more inclusive society.