Meta (formerly known as Facebook) providesaccessibility guidelinesfor software developers making apps for its virtual reality headset.
But observers say that more needs to be done.
About1.85 billion people worldwide are living with disabilities.
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It’s a group larger than the population of China.
Making the metaverse accessible is good business sense, she contends.
Those with disabilities control $1.9 trillion in annual disposable income.
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“Together, we control $13 trillion.”
Even though the metaverse is in its infancy, developers are already working on making it more accessible.
“Individuals who are fully nonverbal can use a soundboard to have conversations.
Some games, for example, have a colorblind mode, Bosch said.
Spatial audio technology can help people better navigate through online spaces.
A Better Digital Future?
There are already recommendations for making virtual worlds as accessible as possible, Freed noted.
Digital accessibility begins with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
“Existing recommendations and guidelines specifically for virtual worlds are constantly changing as technology evolves.”
She cited the example of a future traveler in an airport.
