LIFE & STYLE
Australia ’ s largest
disability VR-tech rollout reaches Castle Hill
Generous Government grant strengthens local community opportunity alongside $ 200,000 VR rollout aiding 3000 . Endeavour Foundation is embarking upon Australia ’ s largest Virtual Reality ( VR ) rollout for a disability service provider … and 40 Hills Shire locals with disability from the Castle Hill Learning and Lifestyle hub , as well as around 100 students from 12 local schools , are set to benefit .
The exclusive Virtual Reality suite , will include all of Endeavour Foundation ‘ s leading VR learning programs , including :
• catching public transport ( bus and train )
• how to cross a road through pedestrian safety
• how to use an ATM
• navigating a café and barista training
• forklift driving and warehouse safety
• as well as a driving simulation focussing on car license preparations , driving at night , highway driving and parking .
Sixty Endeavour Foundation disability service sites along the country ’ s eastern seaboard will receive the new tech , directly assisting close to 3,000 people with disability to develop work and life skills .
One site keen for the new tech , was Castle Hill ’ s Learning and Lifestyle hub , receiving their suite last month .
“ The size of this roll out has been simply staggering . It ’ s an enormous feat , and certainly the largest in the disability sector , but we couldn ’ t do this without support ,” said Endeavour Foundation ’ s Service Design Manager , Chris Beaumont .
“ Our VR technologies allow Endeavour Foundation to create new possibilities for people with disability , whether it is improving life skills in our Learning and Lifestyle Hubs or gaining some skills towards sustainable employment while in a safe environment . School students
L to R Kate Martin ( Head of Practice , Quality and Impact ), Hon . Alex Hawke , Stephen ( Client ), Palani Subramanian ( Operations Manager )
L to R Ryan Kungl ( Team Lead ), Cullen ( Client ), Chris Beaumont
( Service Design Manager ), Hon . Alex Hawke can also explore new tasks in a controlled environment , before attempting these activities in real life ,” Mr Beaumont said .
The mass VR release is the result of a generous $ 200,000 donation to the leading disability service provider , by its flagship charity car-rally of 35 years , ‘ Great Endeavour Rally ’, with an additional grant of $ 8,250 from the Australian Government ’ s Stronger Communities Program .
The Federal Member for Mitchell , the Hon Alex Hawke MP , helped to launch the VR suite at Endeavour Foundation Castle Hill , also presenting service awards to people employed in the local Disability Social Enterprise .
“ I was proud to support the Stronger Communities grant application as a way of building the skills and capability of people with disability in our electorate ,” said Mr Hawke .
“ The service awards are a terrific way to acknowledge the employees ’ achievements and I am pleased to be able to share this moment with all the recipients ,” he said .
Endeavour Foundation has a range of technologies and programs that help people with disability to live their best lives .
“ The tech comes with the additional support of our exclusive 2D video based THRIVE learning platform , enabling another way for people to upskill at their own pace , without the virtual reality setup ,” Mr Beaumont added .
Castle Hill Learning and Lifestyle Operations Manager , Palani Subramanian , said “ not only can our participants enjoy our fabulous Learning and Lifestyle centre , but they can enhance their abilities through different ways of learning while using the VR suite .
“ We are very grateful to the Australian Government for their contribution . We ’ re also incredibly grateful for the support from locals and other businesses who contribute to Endeavour
Foundation to help create possibilities for people with disability ,” added Mr Subramanian .
Winners drawn on Thursday 29 August 2024 . Entry forms available from eligible stores and at the Information Desk . Attach valid docket to entry or keep safe and show if you win . One win per person during the competition period . Full terms and conditions available on the website .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 110 // AUGUST 2024 13