Accessibility and inclusiveness of new information and communication technologies for disabled users and content creators in the Metaverse

Abstract

Purpose: The study critically reassesses existing Metaverse concepts and proposes a novel framework for inclusiveness of physically disabled artists. The purpose is to enable and inspire physically disabled users and content creators to participate in the evolving concept of the Metaverse. The article also highlights the need for standards and regulations governing the inclusion of people with disabilities in Metaverse projects. Materials and Methods: The study examines current information technologies and their relevance to the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in the Metaverse. We analyse existing Metaverse concepts, exploring emerging information technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the Internet of Things. The emerging framework in the article is based on the active involvement of disabled creatives in the development of solutions for inclusivity. Results: The review reveals that despite the proliferation of Blockchain Metaverse projects, the inclusion of physically disabled individuals in the Metaverse remains distant, with limited standards and regulations in place. The article proposes a concept of the Metaverse that leverages emerging technologies, to enable greater engagement of disabled creatives. This approach is designed to enhance inclusiveness in the Metaverse landscape. Conclusions: Active involvement of physically disabled individuals in the design and development of Metaverse platforms is crucial for promoting inclusivity. The framework for accessibility and inclusiveness in decentralised Metaverses provides a basis for the meaningful participation of disabled creatives. The article emphasises the importance of addressing the mechanisms for art production by individuals with disabilities in the emerging Metaverse landscape.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION This article addresses a global challenge related to helping disabled people operate in the modern society, targeting new and emerging technologies, and enabling early understanding of required actions for inclusiveness of people with disabilities in the Metaverse. The increased use of advanced technologies (e.g., AI and IoT) in the Metaverse, amplified the importance of this research being conducted. The aggregate impact from this research for science and society is a more inclusive, and unbiassed Metaverses that are compliant with regulations on anti-disability discrimination. This is followed by the secondary values, related to increased technological opportunities from a breakthrough in designing new, more inclusive, and autonomous devices. The research study presents a new framework for integrating new technologies in existing Metaverses, resulting with a stronger accessibility and inclusiveness of the Metaverse. This creates a new understanding on how new technologies can be used for disability discrimination prevention and early understanding of disability requirements. We also highlighted normative constraints and the need for further reflection and weighing to avoid dystopian futures for the physically disabled in relation to the Metaverse.