Ruby Vandyke
I’d say…it’s the best group in Second Life
About two years ago, I wanted to join a support group, so I did some searching around Second Life and found Virtual Ability. I visited Virtual Ability Island and was really impressed by the information available. I joined right away, and I have been so grateful that I did. Our community members are very supportive and always willing to help with anything. I’d encourage anyone who feels they can benefit from Virtual Ability to find out more. I’d say Virtual Ability is the best group in Second Life.
I’m from Canada. You’ll find me “inworld” quite often. I am very active within our VAI community. I mentor new members. I transcribe presentations so that those who need text instead of voice can be fully included as equals. I co-host our monthly “birthday” parties (we call them “rez-day” parties because we are celebrating the date we first “rezzed” into Second Life).
I attend many classes and informational sessions. In fact, I try to attend as many VAI events as I can. I also enjoy building in Second Life, playing in a Second Life band, attending live concerts, and performing in a dance troupe.
Virtual Ability has helped me to cope as I have become less able in my physical life. Being active here has helped me keep a positive attitude. Plus, I am part of a community that really understands what I’m going through. VAI has offered me ways to meet people, and to make new friends. That’s something that can be difficult for people with disabilities. VAI provides information and support that helps us, its members, cope more effectively with life and live it more deeply. In addition, VAI has enabled me to keep learning new things and keeps my mind busy and active.
Yes, Virtual Ability is important to me. I believe VAI is important to the rest of the virtual world of Second Life, too. VAI helps educate people across Second Life to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities. I also believe that this type of learning impacts people in both the virtual and non-virtual worlds, helping many to realize that all of us are just people, with such similar hopes and dreams. People with disabilities are not so different after all.