The future of inclusive career exploration took a monumental step forward with the launch of the Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI) Virtual Reality (VR) experience in Indianapolis, developed in partnership with the Arc of Indiana and powered by iXplore. This innovative program is transforming how young adults with disabilities discover career opportunities, offering an immersive introduction to EGTI’s programs and their partnerships, including hands-on roles in sub-assembly at a major transmissions manufacturer in Indianapolis.
A Statewide Initiative for Empowerment
The VR experience was designed with a purpose: to empower young adults with disabilities to envision their futures in the workforce. By leveraging cutting-edge VR technology, this initiative provides an engaging and interactive way for participants to explore EGTI’s training programs, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths.
What sets this experience apart is its accessibility. Now used statewide, the VR program allows students across Indiana to discover EGTI’s offerings regardless of their geographic location. For young adults who face barriers to travel, this program makes career exploration accessible, exciting, and impactful. The experience can be done both seated and standing.
A Statewide Initiative for Empowerment
When users put on the VR headset, they are instantly transported into the world of EGTI. The experience includes:
A Virtual Welcome Tour
Participants explore EGTI’s programs and learn about its mission to provide meaningful jobs for individuals with disabilities.
Career Discovery
Users get hands-on insight into activities similar to sub assembly in a factory setting and gain a sense of the day-to-day responsibilities of the job.
Inspiring Stories
Video testimonials from EGTI grads who have successfully entered the workforce share their real-world success stories and offer advice.
The Power of Partnership: iXplore and Arc of Indiana
The launch of this VR experience highlights the strength of collaboration. The Arc of Indiana, a leading advocate for individuals with disabilities, partnered with iXplore to create a program that aligns with its mission of opening doors to meaningful employment opportunities. iXplore’s expertise in immersive learning solutions was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Through VR, the partnership demonstrates the value of blending technology with real-world career readiness, creating a tool that not only informs but inspires.
Breaking Down Barriers with Statewide Accessibility
The decision to take this experience statewide ensures that students from every corner of Indiana can access the transformative power of EGTI’s programs. For many participants, this may be their first opportunity to explore a career in a manufacturing environment, helping to break down misconceptions and build confidence.
By offering immersive career exploration in a virtual format, the program also addresses transportation and logistical challenges, making it easier for young adults with disabilities to take their first steps toward meaningful employment.
A Look to the Future
The Erskine Green Training Institute VR experience is already making waves, providing students with disabilities a tool to see themselves in roles they may have never considered before. By introducing this program statewide, EGTI, the Arc of Indiana, and iXplore are setting a new standard for inclusivity in career discovery.
As iXplore continues to innovate with partners like EGTI and the Arc of Indiana, the possibilities for transformative, accessible career exploration are limitless. Together, we are opening doors and creating brighter futures for the next generation.