Co-Designing Virtual Reality Pathways to Open Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities

👤 Investigator

• Prof Charmine Härtel – Monash University, Melbourne, AU
• Wei Wang – Monash University, Melbourne, AU
• Prof Kristian Rotaru – Monash University, Melbourne, AU
• Mr. Tanner Person – Monash University, Melbourne, AU
• A/Prof Libby Callaway – Monash University, Melbourne, AU
• Mr. Phil Hayes-Brown – CEO, Wallara Australia
• Mr. Jonny Lee – CFO, Wallara Australia
• Dr. Lars Kooijman – Opportunity Tech Lab, Monash University, AU

📝 Publications

• Not applicable

🔍 Background

This project aims to demonstrate how Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) can lead the transition of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) into Open Employment (OE).

In partnership with Wallara and Monash University, we are co-designing and testing virtual reality (VR) job modules to make the job discovery phase more engaging, efficient, and cost-effective.

By building on two years of groundwork and strong industry partnerships, the project offers a scalable model to boost workforce participation and reimagine the role of ADEs in inclusive employment.