Disability Representation in VR

The portrayal and inclusion of disabilities in virtual reality environments, encompassing avatar design, assistive device depiction, and environmental features that acknowledge disability. Research shows this is a deeply personal and context-dependent issue: disabled users often want realistic representation in social VR to foster authentic connections, but may prefer fantasy or non-normative avatars in gaming contexts for escapism. Key considerations include accurate depiction of assistive devices (e.g., sports wheelchairs rather than hospital wheelchairs), optional rather than mandatory disability display, and awareness that representation affects both self-perception and social interactions with other VR users.