Alstom Foundation and Instituto Jô Clemente (IJC) renew partnership to expand program that uses Virtual Reality to help people with disabilities build skills to navigate public space and transit
Phase 2 of the program will include transfers within the metro network, improving navigation skills and familiarity with complex transit systems.
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Alstom Foundation, in partnership with Instituto Jô Clemente (IJC), announces Phase 2 of the “Virtual Reality for Inclusion” program, an initiative that uses Virtual Reality to simulate real environments and offer practical training for people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The technology aims to help participants develop essential skills so they can navigate their communities and use public transportation with confidence and autonomy.
Following the success of Phase 1, which focused on simulating mobility from the IJC to the metro, Phase 2 aims to deepen the Virtual Reality (VR) experience and develop a new module with expanded situations, including transfers within the metro-rail network. “The expansion of the program to include navigation in a transport system as complex as the metro demonstrates the continued commitment of the Alstom Foundation and the IJC to promoting the inclusion and autonomy of people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism,” says Ana Caiasso, Alstom’s Director of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Latin America.
The program seeks to train over 900 individuals and contribute to the inclusion of 375 people in the job market. This phase of the project will allow IJC to purchase new equipment, including additional VR headsets and spare chargers, ensuring uninterrupted access to the immersive experience. It also expands the VR experiences the program can provide. Support from the Alstom Foundation enabled the selection of a qualified supplier for the development of the VR software, the purchase of the necessary equipment, user testing for feedback and the training of the IJC team.
Simulations provide the opportunity to practice and gain more confidence in using public transport through a variety of simulations. This includes everything from familiarizing themselves with the different train routes to practicing boarding and disembarking. To complement the mobility training, the program offers visual instructions which, combined with visual and auditory communication tools, make it easier for participants to interact and understand the content.
Developed with the technical support of the Interdisciplinary Center for Interactive Technologies of the University of São Paulo (LSI-TEC-USP), the new training space is located at the headquarters of the Jô Clemente Institute (IJC), located in Vila Clementino, in São Paulo, Brazil. The space is used to complement the classes and activities already offered by the Institute.
"We are thrilled to launch the second phase of this project. This innovative technology enhances independence and safety in mobility, creating more opportunities for social participation among the people we support. Our partnership with Alstom Foundation strengthens our commitment to inclusion and accessibility. Together, we are shaping a future where people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism can navigate the world with greater autonomy and quality of life", says Daniela Mendes, Chief Executive Officer at Instituto Jô Clemente (IJC)
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 70 million people with Autism in the world and, in Brazil, it is believed that 2 million people have some degree of Autism. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health indicates that approximately 13 million Brazilians live with Rare Diseases. More than 2.6 million Brazilians – around 1.4% of the country's population – declared to have some type of Intellectual Disability. These conditions have a significant social impact, highlighting the importance of initiatives that aim to include and support these people in society.
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