In 2007, I began exploring the virtual world of Second Life. During my exploration of it, I met someone who was trying to give people who were facing callenges in their real life, a support place in Second Life. It interested me because I have an autistic son and thought he might be able to safely get out and learn to interact with others in SL. It didn’t turn out to work well for my son since he still has difficulty communicating, especially in typed words and he runs at a totally higher rate of speed. Still, I joined what became Virtual Ability before it was named Virtual Ability and incorperated as a non-profit. As a volunteer, I began managing a virtual apartment complex which I still do today. I didn’t in the beginning think of myself as handicapped. That is no longer the case. The effects of years of having a chronic disease, accumulated damage of treatments and ordinary aging have made me realize that I, like many others am handicapped. I am better than I was when I became very ill in 2016, but the term “recovered” escapes me. I am better than I was, but I don’t believe I will ever be fully recovered. I have come a long way. I am no longer in a wheelchair. I have a new hip joint and am able to go for a 30 minute walks using only a cane. Second Life and Virtual Ability help me get out of the house when it is difficult to get out of the house and be with other people. http://www.virtualability.org I can go there and walk about, dance with friends and even fly. If you are someone who finds themselves isolated in real life, it might be worth having a look,
