Inclusion and adaptation beyond disability: Using virtual reality to foster empathy

• Authors: Luis Pinto-Coelho , Anna Laska-Leśniewicz , Elizabeth T. Pereira , Joanna Sztobryn-Giercuszkiewicz

Abstracts

EN

Background Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to be a powerful tool in promoting empathy towards inclusion, particularly for individuals with impairments such as mobility difficulties, vision deficits, or autism but also about pregnancy, which can create temporary difficulties. By immersing users in simulated environments that replicate the experiences of those with different abilities, VR can create a sense of understanding and empathy for those who face challenges in their daily lives. For example, VR experiences can simulate the experience of navigating space as someone with a mobility impairment, providing a new perspective and appreciation for the difficulties that others face. Similarly, VR experiences can simulate the experience of vision impairment, pregnancy, or autism, providing a window into the challenges faced by those with these conditions and fostering empathy and understanding. Material and Methods During the development of this study, field experts were consulted to ensure the robustness of the methods employed. Then, questionnaires were specifically developed to explore disabilities and challenges related to inclusion and were administered to a large population. Additionally, guided interviews were conducted with individuals who possess specific impairments to gather first-hand insights. Results The results obtained from the questionnaires and interviews provide a comprehensive overview of the inclusion challenges that necessitate attention and resolution. By drawing on the expertise of both experts and individuals with lived experiences, a holistic landscape of inclusion challenges has been established. Conclusions The VR emerges as a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and fostering understanding among individuals. Its capacity to create immersive experiences that facilitate empathy has the potential to reshape society into a more compassionate and empathetic one. By leveraging the unique capabilities of VR, we can bridge the gap between different perspectives, fostering greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Keywords

EN

pregnancy; autism; empathy; disabilities; virtual reality; society

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: Medycyna Pracy
• Year: 2023
• Volume: 74
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 171-185

Dates

published

2023

Contributors

author

Luis Pinto-Coelho

• Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal (School of Engineering, Department of Physics)

author

Anna Laska-Leśniewicz

• Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland (Institute of Mechatronics and Information Systems)

author

Elizabeth T. Pereira

• University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

author

Joanna Sztobryn-Giercuszkiewicz

• University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland (Institute of Sociology)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/mp.5893.01386

Biblioteka Nauki

22373777