How should metaverse augment humans with disabilities?
Jean-Marc Seigneur, Mohamed-Amine Choukou
Abstract
The metaverse is a new paradigm made possible by emerging technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and blockchains. Humans with disabilities should not be excluded from the metaverse and should have equitable access to it. However, it is unclear which options humans with physical and cognitive disabilities will have in the current metaverse to use and represent themselves – and feel included. Our research seeks to determine how humans with disabilities should be augmented in the metaverse, as well as whether the current metaverse permits such augmentations. If not, what features should be added to make the metaverse more accessible and inclusive? In this regard, we have begun to investigate one of the most well-known decentralized metaverses, namely Decentraland.