Virtual Reality (VR) is a newly emerging technology that can permit students with severe physical limitations to participate fully in science experiments and activities, thereby maximizing their potential to learn important scientific concepts. This is accomplished by providing students with extremely realistic, three-dimensional computer-generated representations of real-world settings. In these settings the students can make observations and perform experiments using a standard joystick assembly. Moreover, all their tools, supplies, and devices are completely interactive, thereby minimizing the limitations normally imposed by the students’ physical disabilities. In short, the proposed virtual reality experiences will permit the "doing" which is so important in the acquisition of scientific knowledge.

The Oregon Research Institute (ORI) Virtual Reality Lab is a fully equipped development facility that will work closely with science teachers at selected secondary schools to identify specific units within the existing curriculum from which students with severe orthopedic impairments are excluded due to their physical limitations. The technical staff at the ORI Virtual Reality Lab will then create three-dimensional scenarios to be implemented in science classrooms containing one or more students with severe orthopedic impairments. The primary goals of the project are to: a.) investigate the efficacy of virtual reality learning environments as a tool for enabling secondary students with severe orthopedic impairments to be educated in regular science education classes along with their non-disabled peers; b.) identify the conditions and supports that must be present to implement virtual reality learning environments in regular science classes; c.) identify principles for effective virtual reality learning environments that ensure meaningful student participation and meet multiple instructional needs; d.) validate that virtual reality learning environments ensure adequate student progress in regular classroom settings; and e.) disseminate results of this research on the use of virtual reality learning environments in ways that maximize the impact of this innovative strategy on the education of students with severe orthopedic impairments.

It is our vision that access to specialized computer-based materials such as virtual reality learning environments will help to minimize the negative effects of students’ physical limitations and thereby foster greater participation in regular science class instruction.