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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Online Explorative Study on the Learning Uses of Virtual Reality Among Early Adopters
Published on: November 22, 2019
Project SEARCH Staff Perspectives on Using Virtual Reality to Support Workplace Conversations: A Brief Report
Ty B Tucker1, Kari Sherwood2,3, Connie Sung1
1School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Project SEARCH staff are interested in using virtual reality (VR) to help transition-age youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) sustain employment. VR can support practicing workplace conversations, enhancing job retention.
Area of Science:
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Assistive Technology
- Disability Studies
Background:
- Focus on job attainment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) overlooks long-term employment sustainability.
- Evidence-based models like Project SEARCH aim to improve employment outcomes for youth with IDD.
- Limited research exists on the adoption of virtual reality (VR) support tools by staff in these programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Project SEARCH staff interest in VR as a tool to enhance employment sustainability for transition-age youth with IDD.
- To explore the perceived role of VR in supporting workplace conversations and job retention.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive survey was administered to 234 Project SEARCH staff.
- The survey assessed staff experiences with students with IDD and the utility of VR for practicing workplace conversations.
- Data focused on the role of VR in students' ability to sustain employment.
Main Results:
- The majority of Project SEARCH staff reported that over 75% of their students achieved employment with low job loss rates.
- A significant 91.9% of staff perceived VR as beneficial for supporting workplace conversations among transition-age students with IDD.
Conclusions:
- Project SEARCH staff showed a clear interest in utilizing VR tools to facilitate practice of workplace conversations.
- Future interventions should explore technology integration, particularly VR, to bolster soft skills and improve long-term employment sustainability for youth with IDD.
