VR headsets comes with limitation to following ADA compliances, since all headsets cater to the use of visual and auditory abilities to fully immerse user; some groups have been developing tools and processes to better push for a more inclusive device. Since many companies are looking toward augmented reality as the next marketing tool and social media application, vr headsets face setbacks in the design that limits users from using the tool. The headset utilizes directional audio to alert users to a sound in the virtual space like we would in the real world, however, there were studies that showed that people that are hearing impaired have a higher risk in feeling nauseous in the headset. Directional audio has been a tool to capture and environment when users are in the headset, however, it limits or restricts groups from the experience when the technology should allow an augmentation to cater to users. Organizer have taken these flaws that have been overlook and created test application to enhance the VR experience.
The Italian Institute of Technology have been experimenting in creating a plug in to use sound as an indicator for seeing impaired users in an archery application. The platform was developed to be a rehabilitation tool to orient patients to move through a space. By understanding how their body is placed in space, seeing impaired people can adjust their space in VR to better understand motor cues. In the archery game, patients are given a headset to shoot base on head motion. Their head positioning determine how they will aim at an archery target. The arrow is launch but is still controlled by the user head positioning, where the arrow will indicate location based on beeping sounds. Depending how far away the arrow is from the target, the sound frequency will shift to a high or to a low pitch. The tool allowed patient readjust head placement to progress head and truck motion of the patient.
Other ADA tools are hand syncing which allow user to use the tracking feature in headset to track ASL hand gesture to better communicate to other ASL people in VR. There has been technology to implement more tools to better accommodate user to utilize this function to allow more players on the platform.
Many case we have seen ADA technology have not only help those with disabilities but also other groups that prefer to have subtitle or color customization like contrast and brightness. The use of customization on a platform allows for inclusivity but also proper functionality for all. When we elevate specific group owe elevate all of us.
Links
https://www.wired.com/story/virtual-reality-accessibility-disabilities/
https://www.unimelb.edu.au/accessibility/guides/vr-old
https://accessiblegamesdatabase.com/game/assassins-creed-odyssey/
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/virtual-reality-event-company-resolves-ada-complaint
https://dlfteach.pubpub.org/pub/vol2-clark-immersive-technology-auditing-checklist/release/1
https://healthcare-in-europe.com/en/news/vr-archery-is-braille-for-orientation-of-blind-people.html
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