By Sophia Filipiak

Navigating everyday social situations might seem like second nature to most, but can prove challenging for those living with developmental disabilities.  Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) is working passionately to ease the burden of anxiety and social inexperience for Ohioans with special needs.  Through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology, Ohio families are helping their loved ones gain independence and the confidence to interact with others. 

Virtual reality is an interactive, computer-generated simulation made possible through the use of equipment such as electronic goggles and is most frequently used for recreational purposes.  As this incredible technology has progressed, leaders in the industry quickly realized that VR can be a useful tool to improve the human experience and make our lives easier.  Floreo, a company that offers therapy programs which “uses virtual reality to teach social, communication, behavioral, and life skills to neurodiverse individuals of all ages,” has been a groundbreaking development utilized by Cuyahoga DD for the past few years. 

Kelly Rainey, the assistive technology and children’s services manager with Cuyahoga DD, describes how Floreo’s partnership with the board has positively impacted local families. “They’ve just been an excellent partner for our agency,” states Rainey, “I can’t rave enough about them.” 

Floreo is helping people of all ages who need assistance with communication or behavioral skills due to developmental disabilities, ADHD or anxiety.  People can participate in modules to prepare them for life experiences ranging from getting lunch in the cafeteria to visiting a doctor’s office.  One family in particular used a TSA module to prepare their child for an upcoming flight.  “It really provides families an opportunity to have their child experience something in a safe environment before having to do it in the real world and then it was more transferable and adaptable for their individual,” explains Rainey, “You don’t know what you don’t know until you experience it.”

Using Floreo, Cuyahoga DD conducted a trial with the Middleburg Heights Police Department in order to cultivate an understanding of appropriate behavior in the presence of police.  “We were trying to promote good, safe interactions with police officers,” explains Rainey, who points out that some of the people her organization helps occasionally have run-ins with law enforcement. 

Ingrid Caban says that her nine-year-old son, Nathaniel, is learning how to successfully address bullies at school.  One of Floreo’s modules simulates an unpleasant altercation between the user and a bully saying hurtful phrases, with hopes of teaching its user how to properly address bullies in real life.  “It just really helps,” says Caban.  “That’s the only thing I can say. It’s been a helpful tool.”  The bully simulation has been widely successful among students who struggle with unkind peers in class.  “Normally the first day of school is very rough for us, but he’s been coming home happy, smiling and more alive,” exclaims Caban.  She mentions how easily Floreo is embraced by its users, especially when she saw how quickly her son adapted to it.  “I don’t think he realizes that he’s also learning… he’s playing a lot.  He sees it as a game.” 

Cuyahoga DD recently contributed $25,000 toward the development of a new module designed to teach people about Internet safety as they explore online relationships.  “We are very hopeful that this will help stop any scams from happening to people with disabilities moving forward if they are empowered with the skills that we learn through these modules,” says Rainey.  Like the rest of Floreo’s modules, it will provide “another safe place to talk about or explore difficult things.”  For many, VR exists to provide the latest and greatest gaming experiences.  For others, it is making life easier to navigate.

For more information about BCIS services from Cuyahoga DD, people can visit CuyahogaBDD.org.  The general information number is 216-241-8230.  The eligibility number is 216-736-2673.