Implementation of virtual reality for neurodivergent individuals: perspectives of disability care staff

Purpose: Despite growing evidence of virtual reality (VR) benefits for neurodivergent individuals, its adoption by disability support organizations remains limited. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of disability service staff on the benefits, barriers and practical needs for integrating VR into services. 

Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 41 disability service staff members across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America gathered quantitative and qualitative data on their views regarding VR adoption, including perceived benefits, challenges and training needs. 

Findings: Results revealed widespread optimism about VR’s potential benefits, yet highlighted notable barriers to adoption, including financial constraints, ethical concerns and gaps in knowledge about VR’s application. Crucially, the study emphasizes the need for education on VR, further evidence of its effectiveness and the importance of addressing ethical and safety issues to foster broader adoption. 

Research limitations/implications: Integrating VR in disability services may enhance support for neurodivergent individuals by fostering skill training, social inclusion and personalized care. Addressing adoption barriers could potentially support the development of innovative and accessible service delivery. 

Originality/value: This study explores VR adoption in disability services by capturing insights from diverse staff roles across multiple countries. It provides an understanding of the barriers and facilitators to VR integration from both clinical and non-clinical perspectives. The five proposed recommendations – strengthening evidence, addressing resource constraints, building implementation capacity, establishing safety and ethical frameworks and fostering sustainable adoption – address the specific barriers identified. These recommendations are aimed at guiding efforts to enhance support for neurodivergent individuals through VR applications.