Onemda has a long and meaningful place in Victoria’s disability community. Established in 1969 by a group of parents led by Thelma Dowell OAM, the organisation was created in response to a lack of support options for their children with significant disabilities. They named it “Onemda,” an Indigenous term meaning “with loving care,” which continues to guide its work today. What began as a volunteer-run “minding service” has grown into a major disability provider with eight campuses across Melbourne, offering education, social development, therapy and recreation programs that help adults with disabilities live connected, confident and fulfilling lives.
In 2025, Onemda became one of the first disability service providers in Australia to use SilVR Adventures’ immersive virtual reality program across its campuses. The decision was grounded in Onemda’s ongoing commitment to research, innovation and providing new opportunities for life participation. The organisation had been exploring assistive technology as part of its broader vision to give participants experiences they may not otherwise have access to. When an internal expo showcased SilVR’s work, the response from staff, families and participants was enthusiastic and immediate. The idea that VR could open new worlds, spark curiosity and offer meaningful sensory experiences resonated strongly.
Empowering Possibility: How SilVR Adventures is Transforming Disability Support with Onemda 🌏💙
Since then, SilVR has been integrated into a wide range of Onemda’s programs, including cooking, travel-themed group sessions, sensory engagement activities and physical exercise. Sean, a Campus Coordinator, reflected on how powerful this has been:
“One of the challenges we sometimes see is meaningful engagement, especially for participants who prefer to sit on the edges of group activities. With VR, we have seen these same participants step forward, take part and have fun. It is a different kind of invitation into the program.”
He shared the story of a participant who previously preferred to observe quietly from the side of the room. During her first VR session, she was so captivated by the chance to visit different countries that staff could “hardly get the headset off her.” Moments like this demonstrate not only enjoyment, but confidence, agency and participation.
The benefits have also extended into physical activity programs. Onemda recently trialled the newly launched SilVR FIT, where participants cycle or paddle while moving through peaceful or adventurous VR environments. As Sean noted, “With VR, we saw someone pedal harder than they ever have before because they were focused on the experience, not on the effort.” The technology reframes exercise as exploration, which can be especially meaningful for people who may not respond to traditional movement routines.
Cycling and Kayaking in VR for Care Providers | SilVR FIT
From the perspective of program design, accessibility and implementation have been key strengths. Janice O’Connor, Onemda’s Research and Innovation Manager, explained that ease of use was a major factor in adopting VR. “The staff can set it up and use it without needing deep technical training, which means it becomes part of everyday programming rather than a special event.” Staff trial the system first, helping them feel confident and able to connect experiences to participants’ interests, memories and goals.
Simple, Powerful, Transformative: Onemda Shares How Easy SilVR VR Is to Use 💙🥽
Importantly, VR has shown positive outcomes across diverse support needs. Whether someone is building independence before transitioning to work or requires high levels of daily support, VR can be tailored. Some participants explore places connected to family heritage, while others practice new skills or enjoy sensory calm environments. Every cohort has found value in the experience.
Looking ahead, Onemda and SilVR see opportunities to co-create participant-led digital content and integrate VR into staff training to deepen empathy and skill development. The partnership demonstrates how technology, when guided by care, human connection and evidence, can expand what is possible in disability support.
At its heart, this is a story about dignity, discovery and inclusion. SilVR is proud to support Onemda in continuing to create spaces where every person has the chance to participate, express themselves and experience the world in their own way.
For more information about Onemda, please visit: https://www.onemda.com.au/
