I am sure that when the people behind Second Life dreamt up their idea of a virtual online life, they had no idea how wildly successful it would become. Nor, i am guessing did they realise to what extent it could help give a real life to those with severe disabilities.

In real life Alice Kreuger has severe multiple sclerosis and is unable to walk without the use of crutches. She rarely leaves her home except for trips to see her doctor. In the virtual world of Second Life she leads a radically different existence.

Here, she is the avatar Gentle Heron, the co-founder of the Heron Sanctuary – a self-described “support community” for others facing similar situations. In this clip she takes us on an eye opening and moving tour of her world.

One particularly moving story is that of a girl who could not talk to people due to a nervous disorder, yet in Second Life, was given gentle tasks to start off with and gradually became part of the community as she built up her social skills. Truly inspiring!!