Virtual Ability, Part Two

 

Earlier, Gemma Cleanslate reported on Virtual Ability. But there was too much about the area and group for just one article. There's that there's a rental area for the disabled who want a home there. There the activities such as weekly tours to other places. There's the game area. There's the Deaf Chat Coffee House. There's the library. And there's more.

Read Gemma's article in Places.

 

 

Virtual Ability

 

In her article for today, Gemma Cleanslate looks at Virtual Ability. Recently they had a conference about the challenges of disabled people living in rual areas. But conferences such as these are only part of what this area in Second Life offers. There are exhibitions, relaxation areas, library areas, and more in this place devoted to improving the lives of those with disabilities.

Read Gemma's story in Places. 

Reader Submitted: Virtual Ability - Being There For Each Other

A group created by three people, this group now has over 1,000 members. It is a group dedicated for people with multiple disabilities. They sought out clear communication and place that have no barriers. Virtual Ability provides all that and more.

Strangers meeting at the Virtual Ability place would become friends, and go remarkable ways. Hiking. Fishing. Campfire Hour. Show and Tell. You name it. There are many opportunities for people right here at Virtual Ability and I can't possibly find a way to describe the wonder ways of the group itself. I met Gentle Heron about five months ago and the first impression was, “Wow, Gentle Heron really know what is going on.” I would become a member of Virtual Ability and I can tell you that they go out of their ways in helping people with multiple disabilities. I myself am deaf and almost blind. It is true that I can see enough to see what's going on on Second Life. But I can see more than just that. I can see good friends. I can see clear communication between the group members. I can even see the understanding to a degree. It's definitely a wonder. I cannot think of anything bad to say about Virtual Ability because all I can think of is the good things.

They are not counselors. They are good friends. To some, they are best friends. Being there for people with disabilities, that's what it is all about. If you want to know more about the Virtual Ability, here is the link: http://www.virtualability.org/.

Deaflegacy Darkbloom

Reader Submitted: Thank You Virtual Ability

With Virtual Ability recently having it's 1000th member join up, Alysabelle Resident sent over a story about how she found out about and joined up with the group. Her tale is one of discovery, friendship, and of fortunate encounters.

Read Alysabelle's reader submission in People. 

Press Release: Virtual Ability Celebrates Six Years

On Saturday the 16th of August, the Virtual Ability community (VAI) celebrated six wonderfully successful years since the organisation opened its first island in Second Life. VAI held a party for its community. DJ Danger Lytton provided great tunes for listening and dancing. The dance floor was surrounded by slideshows and photo boards filled with memories of the community's numerous activities since its start in 2008.

While it began operation as The Heron Sanctuary in 2007, Virtual Ability,® Inc. opened their first island in 2008, with a mission to enable people with a wide range of disabilities by providing a supporting environment for them to enter and thrive in online virtual worlds like Second Life®.

Since its inception, the community has grown in size to nearly 1,000 members comprised of people with disabilities, their friends, families and caregivers, along with medical personnel, researchers and educators from all across the world. Virtual Ability owns six SL islands.

In keeping with its mission, Virtual Ability partners with different organizations on initiatives like AVESS, developing best practices for providing on-line peer-to-peer support services for military amputees and their families. VAI also provides inworld services, employment and accessibility information for people with disabilities.  Virtual Ability hosts two annual professional conferences: the Mental Health Symposium in spring and the International Disability Rights Affirmation Conference (IDRAC), coming up in early October this year.

The group looks forward to many more years of activity, continued peer support and growth in virtual worlds. For more information about the organization, visit our website at http://www.virtualability.org.

Gentle Heron and Skye Silverweb