Seen & Supported

The Problem

Building relationships is already challenging because of different cultures, languages, education levels, and other external factors. The added stress of communicating with disabled peers prevents many people from forming or deepening relationships beyond expected everyday interactions. 

This problem only becomes worse when a peer has a disability that isn’t immediately obvious. Even as awareness of these “hidden” disabilities increases, it’s difficult to find ways to not only educate people about the disability itself but how to respond to disability in a way that fosters positive relationship building.

It’s nearly impossible to react with empathy if learners are only given the raw facts and statistics about disability without the opportunity to practice relationship-building through authentic, real-world practice. Unfortunately, there is a lack of well-planned learning experiences available on the market right now.

The eLearning Solution

I proposed this scenario-based eLearning simulation that allows learners to build relationships in a judgment-free environment while also learning about a specific hidden disability. To enhance student engagement, I incorporated light gamification and immersive audio. This solution is ideal because:

1. Building relationships is a skill that requires consistent practice rather than memorization of key facts. The learner is introduced to many facts about hidden disabilities, but the primary focus is on practicing specific skills in a non-threatening and fun environment.

2. The scenario is cost-effective, flexible, research-based, and customizable.

• Cost-effective: Because this is an asynchronous eLearning option, it costs less to develop than an in-person or live eLearning event, and it can be scaled to be used for small or large groups.

• Flexible: Learners can experience this scenario anytime and on any device. It only takes about ten minutes to complete, making it easy to fit into a busy work or school day. 

• Research-based: Because the design approach is firmly rooted in educational research and instructional design best practices, users experience a learner-centered, goal-oriented activity focused on real-world application and retention.

• Customizable: This scenario can be used as a template to customize disability training for learners of all ages and professions with minimal re-development time.

3. This scenario offers the learner a visually appealing format that draws them into the experience and holds their attention for the duration.

Experience the Full Project

Overview

The National Association for Disability Empowerment (NADE) is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities as they strive for self-sufficiency. With disability awareness growing, NADE needed a solution to help non-disabled people form and develop meaningful relationships with their disabled peers.

I focused on the middle/high school demographic for this concept project. However, it could easily be adapted and developed for adult learners who are enrolled through their workplace or training to become volunteers with a nonprofit.

Process

I used the action mapping approach to identify the need and develop a suitable solution. This process involved writing a storyboard, mocking up visuals, creating a prototype, and developing the final product in Articulate Storyline 360. I applied feedback to the deliverables every step of the way to ensure that the solution would be as effective as possible.

Action Map

I consulted with several subject matter experts and conducted further research to determine the best way to solve the problem. I then organized this information on an action map to help create a visual representation of the most critical actions on which our learners would need to focus. The ultimate goal of the scenario is in the center, and the branches are the decisions/actions that users need to make based on real-life choices. This way of modeling allows every interaction and slide to clearly and directly relate to the project’s primary goal.