InclusiVRity is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the educational and social challenges faced by neurodiverse students in secondary schools. By leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, the project seeks to transform traditional teaching practices into inclusive, engaging, and accessible experiences for students aged 12-18. Neurodiverse students often encounter unique barriers in education, stemming from differences in cognitive processing, communication, and social interaction. These challenges can lead to academic struggles, social isolation, and diminished opportunities for personal growth. InclusiVRity addresses these issues by providing innovative tools and training to educators, enabling them to better support the needs of all learners. 

The project is built on the understanding that inclusion requires not only accessible tools but also a shift in the approach to teaching. InclusiVRity equips educators with the skills and knowledge to integrate VR into their lesson plans, fostering an environment where neurodiverse students can thrive. Unlike conventional teaching methods, VR offers immersive and interactive experiences that can be tailored to the individual needs of students. It allows learners to explore and practice real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled setting, helping them build confidence, improve focus, and develop critical skills such as teamwork and communication. 

InclusiVRity’s activities focus on capacity building for educators and raising awareness about the potential of VR in inclusive education. Teachers and caregivers will receive professional training to familiarize themselves with VR technologies and learn how to incorporate them effectively into their teaching practices. This training will emphasize the importance of adaptability and creativity in addressing the diverse needs of neurodiverse students. Additionally, the project will engage parents, school communities, and policymakers, fostering a broader understanding of the role that VR can play in promoting equity in education. 

The project also emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders to ensure its outcomes are practical and widely applicable. InclusiVRity brings together experts in education, VR technology, and neurodiversity to co-create solutions that are evidence-based and user-centric. By involving teachers, students, parents, and specialists in the development process, the project ensures that its resources and tools are tailored to the real-world challenges faced in diverse educational settings. 

InclusiVRity’s approach represents a significant step forward in reimagining education for neurodiverse students. By integrating VR into classrooms, the project not only addresses the immediate challenges of accessibility but also sets the stage for long-term systemic change in how inclusivity is understood and implemented in education. This effort ensures that every student, regardless of their cognitive or social differences, has the opportunity to succeed and participate fully in their educational journey. 

Expected Results:  

• A comprehensive Guidebook for educators and caregivers with detailed methodologies and strategies for applying VR to enhance inclusivity in the classroom.  

• VR Platform with immersive social stories that simulate real-life social and academic scenarios.  

• Implementation Manual that will serve as a practical tool for educators to implement VR-based teaching methods (step-by-step guidance, best practices, and lessons learned from the project’s pilot studies and testing phases) 

• Scientific Report on behavioral patterns & changes reported through implementation/ pilots to be used by stakeholders, policymakers and researchers 

• Professional Development for educators with training sessions/ seminars across partner countries to enhance their skills in using VR.  

Partners:  

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain)  

Succubus Interactive SARL  (France) 

C.I.P. Citizens in Power (Cyprus) 

Fondazione Istituto dei Sordi di Torino ONLUS (Italy) 

DIEYTHINSI DEFTEROVATHMIAS EKPAIDEFSIS N. PIERIAS (Greece) 

Institut Mitjans Audiovisuals (EMAV) (Spain) 

Project Number: TBA  

Project Duration: 31/12/2024 – 31/12/2026 

Website: inclusivrity.eu (TBA)