Project Description:
Project Abstract:
Students with disabilities face persistent barriers in accessing high-quality, inclusive career exploration experiences that align with their strengths, interests, and postsecondary goals. In Oklahoma, the need for innovative, engaging, and accessible tools to support transition planning from middle school through high school and into adult life remains a priority. This project addresses that critical need by developing and expanding a suite of personalized, universally designed career readiness tools aligned with state standards and transition frameworks.
The overarching goal of this four-year initiative is to revolutionize career exploration for Oklahoma students with disabilities, ages 10–22, by implementing Future Quest Island-Explorations (FQI-E) and developing a fully accessible and engaging Personalized Career Exploration site with interactive virtual career simulations. These tools are grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), person-centered planning, and the Possible Selves framework. They will incorporate Oklahoma's CareerTech standards and Individual Career Academic Plan (iCAP), ensuring alignment with state transition and postsecondary readiness goals.
Unusual features of this project include the use of interactive, gamified career simulations that allow students to "test drive" professions virtually in 2D environments, making career exploration more tangible and relevant. These simulations will be created in collaboration with FableVision Studios and incorporate robust accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, alt text, captioning, and customizable interfaces.
The project emphasizes user-centered design with iterative feedback from students, educators, and service providers throughout development. Ongoing technical assistance, implementation support, and targeted dissemination efforts will ensure high adoption and impact across diverse educational and service settings. The project also supports Open Educational Resource (OER) compliance and broad sharing of resources.
Expected benefits include increased student engagement in career development, improved transition planning outcomes, and a stronger understanding of personal interests, skills, and aspirations among participating students. Educators and service providers will gain access to high-quality, easy-to-integrate tools and support systems to enhance inclusive career readiness instruction. By creating seamless, accessible career exploration pathways beginning in upper elementary and continuing through high school, the project will foster stronger postsecondary outcomes and lifelong career development for Oklahoma's youth with disabilities.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Specific Groups
