VR Accessibility Training

The use of virtual reality environments to teach people with disabilities how to use assistive technologies or navigate unfamiliar real-world scenarios in a safe, controlled setting. VR training allows users to practice spatial and physical skills — such as aiming a smartphone camera, navigating a building layout, or using a guide robot — without the risks of real-world practice. Research shows VR can be particularly effective for people with visual impairments learning tasks that are difficult to convey through verbal instructions alone, such as camera manipulation for object detection apps. Key design considerations include matching virtual environments closely to real-world parameters, providing non-visual feedback (audio and haptic), and including contextual cues that users rely on in real settings.