Virtual Encounters

11/05/2024

It’s a great day to talk about how VR can empower people to build skills, connect with people and resources, and find opportunities in employment training! I’m at the Rethinking Disabilities Conference hosted by Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) talking about how VR and immersive technologies can enhance employment services!

08/07/2024

Another great day to learn about staying safe! Today’s theme is digital safety!

07/17/2024

We are with the Children's Safety Village - Belleville today for an open house! Come and try out safety experiences in virtual reality! From home and road safety experiences to practicing fire escape plans and kitchen hazard safety. We are teaching kids about safety, safely! Entry is free and everyone is welcome! Come to 129 John street, Belleville. There are so many great organizations here today! Ministry of Transportation, Lions Club Of Belleville, Elexicon Energy, Hastings-Quinte EMS, Belleville Police Services, Belleville Fire and Emergencies Services, Chinese Calligraphy and Paper Cutting, and more!

06/03/2024

We are excited to offer our last 'Lunch & Learn' for Chamber members, generously sponsored by Quinte Gardens and presented by Peter Young from Encounters. Check out more information at https://bellevillechamber.ca/lunchlearn and JOIN US!

05/31/2024

05/31/2024

I had fun today working a booth at the Brazen event hosted by Simple Desk. It was a fantastic day full of inspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiastic vendors! I’m very grateful to have been included in such a wonderful event that showcased the awesome presence and impact that women entrepreneurs have on our communities. The day was full of leaders, pioneers, and professional achievers who routinely demonstrate the way business can operate. With inspiration, authenticity, dedication, compassion, and perseverance. Attendees stopped by to say hello, learn about our services, and immerse themselves into virtual reality mindful moment! Shout out to some of the fellow vendors I was so happy to meet today including Lisanne from Lisanne Mitts Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Meditation, Sarah from Your Creative Junction, Tiana from Bare Beauty Collab., MaryAnne from O2 Oxygen Bar and Beauty Lounge, Jenny Mc from Enable no more, and the ladies from County Fare and Centre & Main Chocolate Co.

05/31/2024

Checking out this VR headset in a mindful way .

05/27/2024

Are you interested in how VR technology can support neurodivergent people with employment-related challenges? This article on insideottawavalley.com is a synopsis of my presentation at the recent DiversX Beyond the Label conference. https://www.insideottawavalley.com/opinion/contributors/embracing-neurodiversity-insights-from-the-beyond-the-label-conference/article_56af4244-b2b7-5434-9001-a97546466c7f.html

I discussed how VR technology can help improve employment training and workplace inclusion. Special thanks to the DiversX team for organizing this great event, all the volunteers and attendees, and my fellow speakers Lorraine Driscoll and Michelle Weger

How can virtual reality support neurodivergent workforces? Contributing columnist Peter Young, founder of Virtual Encounters, explains.

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

Reflecting on an inspiring day at the "Beyond the Label" conference hosted by DiversX! 🌈

Yesterday, I had the privilege to share insights on "Supporting the Neurodiverse Workforce with Understanding and Innovation." It was truly uplifting to see the dedication of attendees and fellow speakers to embrace diversity in all its forms.

My talk highlighted the transformative potential of integrating VR technology in workplaces to foster empathy and understanding towards neurodiverse challenges. From enhancing hiring practices to boosting operational efficiencies, VR offers endless possibilities for creating inclusive environments and maximizing the benefits for both employees and employers.

The event wasn't just about my presentation; it was a melting pot of ideas and perspectives. I was inspired by discussions on how nutrition and brain health 🧠 intersect with neurodiverse symptoms with Lorraine Driscoll from Building Better Brains - Learning Clinic, the importance of overcoming fears to pursue one's dreams regardless of the paper t-Rex 🦖 that attack our confidence with Michelle Weger and how the workforce can further beneift by improving inclusion, support, and awaresss to go beyond the labels that many people have with DiversX

It was great to see some amazing organizations out too! From CICE at Brockville SLC to Career Services of Brockville and WAY-Wellness Access for Youth, local vendors and The Kemptville Advance
For those who didn’t get the chance to attend or didn’t hear about this amazing event, don’t worry! There will be more opportunities coming to you soon! Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), North Grenville Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), Autism Ontario, Ontario Nonprofit Network, Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario Ministry of Education, Ontario Association of Social Workers, Queen's University, St. Lawrence College, Loyalist College, Community Learning Alternatives, Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

04/22/2024

While I was in Alberta last week, some exciting things were happening! DiversX's Beyond the Label Conference is happening this May 10th- Register today!

When: May 10th, 2024 from 8:30 - 4
Where: Kemptville Campus, Parish Hall in the Auditorium
How: Register through the following link https://beyondthelabelconference.rsvpify.com
Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/do4Qbnxao

02/28/2024

Motivating yourself to improve your soft skills can be tough. Here’s a guide to help!

02/22/2024

It's fascinating how our online personas shape our behaviour and interactions. Let's embrace the power of digital expression for prosocial soft skill development!

02/22/2024

It’s so exciting to be a part of such a great network of businesses and organizations!

02/12/2024

The power of an "AH-HA" moment is amazing!

02/08/2024

"Ah-ha" moments are the best! What was your last ah-ha moment? 💡💡