Applications of VR Technologies for Childhood Disability

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of virtual reality (VR) technologies across domains of childhood disability that focuses on the evidence base for applications in research, clinical and community settings in order to optimize outcomes for the child and family. It explores how changing patterns of childhood participation and engagement provide opportunities for using VR technologies for children with disabilities. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health—Children and Youth version is used as a framework to consider the role of VR technologies in evaluation and intervention across body structures and body function, activity performance and participation across different contexts. Benefits of VR are viewed through the lens of current theory and research to consider broader aspects of the potential impact on brain-behavior relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)