VR as an aid for the disabled

The US Federal Communications Commission has published a white paper that explores why people with cognitive disabilities have not adopted the communications technology that has become the primary gateway to employment, education, healthcare and social life.

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, in remarks prepared for a speech at the Coleman Institute Conference on Cognitive Disability and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, on Thursday, said digital technology offers an opportunity to help the 30 million Americans with cognitive disabilities.

Wheeler cited virtual reality as a possible way to improve the lives of those denied access to communications technology. "Donning the goggles I became an African-American woman in a VR program designed to deal with interpersonal behavior issues," he said. "I experienced and had to deal with how people reacted to something I was not – but thanks to VR, I was."

"If we don't do everything possible to harness this marvelous new technology revolution to attack the challenges of individuals with disabilities, then shame on us," said Wheeler. ®