About Darlene
Darlene Bowman is the founder of AusomeTech, a Staten Island–based nonprofit dedicated to helping young adults with autism continue their learning journeys beyond high school. After more than two decades as a special education teacher, Darlene saw a gap: students who loved technology and computer science were aging out of school without opportunities to keep developing their skills.
Instead of slowing down after retirement, she launched AusomeTech. The program now operates on local college campuses, pairing autistic students with college interns to learn, collaborate, and create side by side.
Technology makes things easier in the lives of people without disabilities, but it makes things possible for students with disabilities.
Opening the Door to Virtual Reality
While many of her students were familiar with VR games, the idea that they could create in virtual reality was transformative.
“It never occurred to them that they can actually… not just play like Beat Saber, but that they can actually create. And Zoe allowed that to happen in a way that’s just so incredible.”
For Darlene, Zoe’s intuitive design removed her initial hesitation. If she could build in VR, so could her students. This discovery led her to experiment with projects that tapped into their interests and passions.
Building a Virtual Ocean Cleanup
During the Zoe Creator Program, Darlene developed a prototype inspired by her students’ love for the ocean. The experience let players clean debris from a reef and interact with marine life.
The project combined environmental awareness with interactivity:
- Students could identify and remove objects that didn’t belong in the water
- They encountered whales, crabs, and colorful fish while restoring the ocean
- The activity blended play, problem-solving, and care for the environment
“My goal was to have a student touch something that did not belong in the ocean, and then it disappears. Basically, I was just helping to clean the ocean. And it was a lot of fun.”
Collaboration and Ownership
One of Darlene’s biggest takeaways was the power of letting students create their own lessons
For students with autism, VR opens unique avenues for self-expression. It’s not just about fun or ease of use—it’s about possibility. They can demonstrate ideas, interests, and creativity in ways that traditional classrooms often don’t allow.
When they have themselves developed a virtual world…it’s theirs. They take that pride and ownership. And to see the looks on their faces when they’ve done it themselves, it’s just priceless.
Looking Ahead
Darlene envisions expanding AusomeTech’s use of VR so students can collaborate in shared virtual spaces. Instead of one student at a time using her headset, she wants groups to co-create and learn together in immersive environments.
“It’s great when they’re in a room together, but it’s just out of this world when they’re in a virtual space together.”
Her advice to other educators considering VR is simple:
- Don’t be afraid to try, even if you’re new to the technology
- Allow students to take the lead—they’ll often run further and faster than expected
- Embrace the joy of learning alongside them
“If I can do it, anybody can do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things.”
A New Chapter in Special Education
Darlene’s work with AusomeTech and Zoe highlights how VR can give students with disabilities not just tools, but opportunities to express, build, and belong. In her words, the goal is to make sure their creativity is developed and shared with the world.
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