Have you ever wished you could practice for a job interview without fear of judgment, using questions customized to your job search? Or receive meaningful feedback that helps you improve your interview skills so you’re fully prepared going into the real thing?
Now you can. This week, CNIB was thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative, first-of-its-kind new app designed to help people who are blind and need accessibility accommodations practice their job interview skills. Called VRAI OP, the app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. It is currently available in English only.
A new frontier of technology-enabled skill building
Developed by SenseTech Solutions Inc. in partnership with CNIB, the app leverages virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enable users to create custom mock interviews and engage in an immersive, 3D simulation experience in one-on-one, group, panel, and casual interview settings. After their simulated interview, users can receive feedback on their performance from a real person or an automatically generated AI tool.
Employers can also use the platform to create custom and accessible interview experiences tailored to specific job opportunities, and employment support agencies can use the app to help job candidates prepare for interviews.
Robert Ingino, SenseTech’s co-founder and CEO, said accessibility is at the heart of VRAI OP.
“Our goal with VRAI OP is to break down barriers to work-readiness skill building for people with disabilities, creating a more equitable employment landscape,” he said. “It can also be used by anyone interested in improving their interview skills, making it a valuable resource for candidates, employers, and employment agencies alike.”
VRAI OP is working to address the employment gap for people with disabilities
The first app of its kind, VRAI OP was developed in response to low employment rates among people with disabilities and limited support for employment-related skill building.
In Canada, only 42% of people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision are employed in some capacity as adults, with just 28% in full-time roles. For people with disabilities in general, just 65.5% are employed compared to 79.6% of people without disabilities.
“VRAI OP is exactly the kind of bold, innovative solution needed to make progress toward a completely barrier-free society,” said Thomas Simpson, Vice President, CNIB Voice and Executive Director, Come to Work at CNIB. “CNIB is incredibly proud to have been a partner in its development, and we look forward to making sure it’s widely accessible to people living with blindness across Canada.”
VRAI OP was tested in partnership with organizations across Canada serving people with a range of accessibility needs, including CNIB, CNIB Deafblind Community Services, Surrey Place, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, and Reena.
“All Canadians deserve the opportunity to find good jobs, contribute to their community, and build a better life for themselves and their family,” says François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. “By working with great organizations like CNIB and SenseTech Solutions Inc., and investing in VRAI OP, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities access assistive technologies that will empower them to participate in the digital economy and improve their quality of life.”
For more information about VRAI OP and to download the app now, visit the App Store or Google Play. An accessible website sharing information about VRAI OP and how to get the most out of the app is also available at sensetech.ca/VRAIOP.
About SenseTech Solutions Inc.
SenseTech Solutions is a Canadian based software company that specializes in the design and development of accessible simulation software. Founded in response to the direct needs of accessibility organizations, SenseTech uses virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies to solve real world accessibility problems.
About Accessible Technology Program
The Accessible Technology Program invests in the development of innovative assistive and adaptive digital devices and technology that help Canadians with disabilities overcome barriers that prevent their full participation in the workplace. Since 2017, the program has supported the development of over 28 solutions by working with innovators and entrepreneurs to make a difference in the lives of Canadians with disabilities.