In a world that is increasingly shaped by innovation and digital transformation, some individuals rise above the rest not only by pushing technological boundaries but by using those advancements to change lives. One such inspiring figure is Vijayalakshmi Subramani, fondly known as VJ—a woman whose life journey and work are now permanently commemorated with a “Purple Plaque” at the University of Sunderland.
This rare honour, reserved for pioneering women in the North East of England, reflects VJ’s exceptional contribution to education, inclusion, and digital accessibility through virtual reality (VR). Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep empathy—rooted in personal experience and propelled by a vision to make the world more inclusive for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
From India to the UK: A Journey of Purpose
VJ’s story began in India, where she lived before moving to the United Kingdom in 2009. Like many international students and immigrants, she arrived with hope, determination, and a desire to make a difference. Her early years in the UK saw her work with Sunderland City Council while raising a family—an experience that would soon become deeply personal and transformative.
After her son was diagnosed with autism, VJ’s understanding of SEND grew from a mother’s perspective. Navigating daily challenges, from communication difficulties to adapting to new environments, gave her insight into a world that is often overlooked. This personal journey became the spark for a powerful mission.
Academic Excellence and the Sunderland Connection
In 2020, VJ completed her MSc in Environment, Health and Safety from the University of Sunderland, where she stood out not only for academic excellence but also for her supportive spirit. She was named the Student of the Year in 2019, a recognition that celebrated her mentorship and inspiration to fellow students. Her experience at Sunderland became the foundation for a broader purpose—combining her academic knowledge with her personal life to drive social change.
The University of Sunderland has since recognised her achievements with a Purple Plaque—a symbol of honour and legacy. The plaque now resides at Hope Street Xchange, one of the university’s innovation hubs. It is a permanent reminder to future generations that one person’s courage and creativity can spark global impact.
TeenyWeenyVR: A Tech Solution with Heart
In 2021, VJ launched TeenyWeenyVR, a digital startup with a deeply human focus. At its core, the platform uses immersive VR experiences to help SEND children familiarise themselves with real-world environments before physically visiting them. Whether it’s a school classroom, a hospital, or a public place, the virtual walk-throughs aim to reduce anxiety, sensory overload, and fear—issues common among neurodivergent children.
What sets TeenyWeenyVR apart is its grounding in lived experience. VJ didn’t just imagine what SEND children might need—she lived those needs and decided to build a solution. Her platform enables children and their caregivers to prepare for new experiences in a safe, controlled, and engaging way.
The concept gained traction quickly, resonating with families, educators, and health professionals alike. In 2022, she was awarded the Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award, which came with a £50,000 grant—allowing her to scale her services and reach more families across the UK and beyond.
SENDelight: Expanding the Vision
Not one to rest on her laurels, VJ expanded her work by launching SENDelight Gifts, a platform that curates affordable educational toys and sensory products for SEND children. Built with social purpose rather than profit, the project aims to ease the financial strain on families while offering thoughtful, supportive tools for children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
Her mission is clear: to build a comprehensive digital ecosystem that addresses both emotional and practical needs of SEND children and their families. Her efforts reflect a unique blend of technology, education, parenting, and empathy.
A Lasting Legacy and a Message to Women Everywhere
Speaking at the Purple Plaque unveiling, the University of Sunderland’s Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell commended VJ as an “outstanding graduate and innovator.” The plaque not only celebrates her past accomplishments but symbolises hope and encouragement for future women in tech, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
For VJ, the honour is more than personal recognition—it’s a symbol of what is possible when passion meets purpose. Her message to aspiring changemakers is both heartfelt and powerful:
“Believe in your strength and never give up. You never know what you are capable of until you try. Our dreams aren’t just dreams—they are blueprints of a future we can build together.”
Conclusion: A Story That Inspires Action
VJ’s journey is one that bridges continents, disciplines, and communities. It is a story of motherhood and science, of personal struggle turned into public good. By integrating technology with empathy, she has not only made education more inclusive but also set an example for socially-driven innovation.
Her purple plaque is not just a badge of honour; it’s a call to action for universities, innovators, and society at large—to nurture the ideas that come from lived experience and to empower the voices that often go unheard.
If you ever walk past Hope Street Xchange in Sunderland and see that plaque, know that it represents much more than a personal milestone. It stands for inclusion, courage, and the belief that even the smallest step, taken with purpose, can change lives.