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The Heron Sanctuary helps the disabled find a Second Life
An element inherent in virtual worlds that the mainstream press frequently misses (or deliberately ignores in favor of the more sensational aspects), is that your avatar can be everything you want to be, but for whatever reason, can't be. And while this has led many with otherwise socially-debilitating conditions to achieve a degree of happiness and freedom, there are relatively few organizations devoted to helping disabled people realize new social lives through virtual worlds.I previously wrote about Fez Rutherford's 2nDisability, but here's another wonderful example of people reaching out to help others: The Heron Sanctuary in Second Life. Eureka Dejavu and Schmilsson Nilsson (previously podcasted here) graciously give some space on their blog 'Dispatches From a Virtual World' to Widget Whiteberry, who talks about the importance of making connections over the Web and founding a virtual community for disabled individuals. It's a worthwhile read and serves to refute the assertions by so many naysayers that there's nothing of value to be had in SL.[Thanks, Schmilsson!]
On the Inside, Episode 20: Eureka Dejavu and Schmilsson Nilsson
Welcome to the twentieth episode of On the Inside, the podcast that lets you take a peek at the virtual world of Second Life! This episode features Eureka Dejavu, real life name Rita J. King, investigative reporter, blogger for the Huffington Post, and founder of Dancing Ink Productions; and Schmilsson Nilsson, real life name Joshua Fouts, Director of the Center on Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California. In this episode, we discuss the Macarthur Foundation and their ongoing research into virtual worlds, the positive power of transformation, and Star Wars Galaxies. (Note: This interview was conducted on October 30th.)As always, I welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions for future topics/interviewees. Drop me a line!To hear all eighteen previous episodes, click here to access the Second Life Insider podcast archives.[Mp3] Download the MP3 directly
