The arrival of advanced technologies based on virtual reality and artificial intelligence is making its way into the classroom for adults with neurodiversity. BrightStone, a local nonprofit in Franklin, TN, whose mission centers on helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is setting the mark for modern learning by incorporating virtual reality equipment into their on-campus lesson plans.

Susan Sistrunk, Director of Programs for BrightStone, stated, “Virtual Reality will allow our adults to explore new interests, with unlimited subjects and topics to choose from. Through VR, they will learn new skills and gain knowledge that otherwise would not be available to them. We are so excited to be able to provide this opportunity for them!”

Through virtual and augmented reality lessons, BrightStone’s day program adults can now experience real-life simulation and immersive learning in areas such as science experiments, exploration inside the human body, travels across the world, and thousands of other topics.

The introduction of virtual and augmented reality is both an exciting and unique addition to the way neurodivergent adults learn and a natural fit for BrightStone following the completion of their state-of-the-art learning center in late 2022, The Stinnett Center for Learning, Art, and Enterprise. Made possible through a grant from 100+ Women Who Care Williamson County, the new educational-based technology will make realistic and immersive environment learning possible in a way that is physically and psychologically safe and can be guided by BrightStone teachers and individuals themselves.

100+ Women Who Care Williamson County is a group of women committed to supporting their local community through a giving circle. At each quarterly meeting, three nonprofits who have been nominated by members have the opportunity to present a specific need, project, or goal.

Following, members select which nonprofit will receive their donations by a majority vote.  “We are thrilled that BrightStone was selected as our fourth quarter recipient,” said Leigh Bawcom, Co-Founder and Nonprofit Coordinator for 100+ Women Who Care Williamson County. “They’ve been providing services to adults with special needs in our community for many years. We are excited that our donation will be used to purchase virtual reality equipment that will expand BrightStone’s programming and provide a unique educational experience for their students.”

The new virtual reality-based lessons will be in full use on BrightStone’s campus this spring as part of a lesson plan for the solar system. The new technology will allow students to visit various planets for a real-life simulation of life beyond Earth. The lessons lead up to a special on-campus viewing of the solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024.