Austin Stanbury - Helping Neurodiverse Adults Overcome Obstacles to Independence.

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Austin Stanbury is the co-founder of Augmented Info Systems, a VR development studio focused on enhancing accessibility in education, particularly for neurodivergent individuals with high support needs. The company aims to create immersive learning experiences that benefit all students by addressing diverse learning styles and needs.Key Takeaways:

• Accessibility in Education: Augmented Info Systems prioritizes making educational tools accessible for neurodivergent individuals, which ultimately enhances the learning experience for everyone.
• Virtual Reality as a "Helping Technology": VR is utilized to simulate real-life scenarios, allowing users to practice skills and navigate challenging social interactions in a safe environment.
• Vocational Training Support: The company develops tools that help neurodiverse individuals build confidence and autonomy through vocational training and mental health support.
• Collaboration with Institutions: Partnering with educational institutions and support centers provides valuable insights into the needs of neurodiverse learners, ensuring the tools developed are effective and relevant.
• Long-Term Vision: Austin dreams of establishing an educational facility that leverages VR across all subjects, aiming to remove barriers to learning and provide multimodal instruction tailored to individual needs.

Austin discusses how VR can help individuals practice everyday situations, such as workplace interactions or health-related scenarios, which can be particularly daunting for those with anxiety or social challenges. This approach not only prepares users for real-world experiences but also fosters personal dignity and self-esteem.
The insights gained from collaborating with support centers have been instrumental in shaping the direction of Augmented Info Systems. Austin emphasizes that the focus should always be on the needs of the people being served, ensuring that the technology developed genuinely addresses their challenges.
About Austin Stanburry:
Austin Stanbury, CEO of Augmented Info Systems (AIS), has a wealth of expertise in project management, edutech, and virtual reality development. His professional experience spans roles as an adjunct professor, senior consultant, and co-founder. Austin's work has been showcased globally at major venues including AWE, ACM VRST, IEEE GEM, and Games for Change. He is dedicated to establishing virtual reality as a default educational technology for everyone.

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