Virtual Reality Job Interview Training in Transition Services: Results of a Single-Arm Non-Controlled Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Trial

Summary: This study reports the results of a single-arm non-controlled, Type 3 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial evaluating virtual reality job interview training (VR-JIT) delivered in five pre-employment transition programs comprising 15 schools, 10 administrators, 23 teachers, and 279 youth ages 16–21 years receiving special education pre-employment transition services. Fidelity, expected implementation feasibility, and teacher and student acceptance of VR-JIT were high. Youth completed approximately 11 virtual interviews over six to eight weeks. At the six-month follow-up, teachers reported that youth using VR-JIT had employment rates higher than current national employment rates for youth with disabilities. A multinomial logistic regression revealed VR-JIT engagement was associated with greater employment rates by six-month follow-up (Odds Ratio=1.63, p=0.002). This study provides promising evidence that VR-JIT may be feasibly implemented with high fidelity in special education pre-employment transition services and can potentially enhance employment outcomes among transition-age youth receiving special education services.