USF researchers awarded nearly $10 million to enhance employment services for individuals with disabilities

University of South Florida (USF) Department of Child and Family Studies (CFS) researchers Tammy Jorgensen Smith, PhD, CRC, and Christine Hugh, MS, have been awarded $9.9 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education for an innovative project that will improve employment services for individuals with disabilities. The project will use virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to address the critical shortage of skilled labor and promote inclusivity in the workplace.

"This innovative approach will equip skilled trades workers with disabilities with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving labor market," said Hugh, who serves as co-principal investigator of the project and program director of LAUNCH at USF.

The project, called Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE), will integrate VR and AI technologies into LAUNCH at USF's existing employment and transition programs that serve youth and adults with lifelong and acquired disabilities.

"VR technology has been shown to be highly effective in teaching career skills through immersive experiences," said Smith. "AI will be utilized to provide real-time feedback to common questions through the project website that will be developed for training and replication purposes and for posting project outcomes."

Smith, the project's principal investigator and a faculty member in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program, is leading the initiative alongside Hugh and a team of experts from USF Innovative Education, USF Research Technology, LAUNCH Employment and Transition Services, Virtual Reality Galaxy Learning Institute, and the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass.

The team has also established partnerships with Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, Hillsborough County Schools, and other stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.

A website will be developed and offer a replication guide and tiered technical assistance, including AI support and direct help from the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service.

"We are honored, and this prestigious recognition validates our commitment to revolutionizing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities," said Hugh.

The five-year grant is set to begin on Oct. 1, 2024.