Improving Access Using Simulations of Community Resources

• Main Authors: Germann, Clark, Broida, Jane Kaufman, Broida, Jeffrey M, Thompson, Kimberly
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2001
• Subjects: Access to Information; Assistive Technology; Community Resources; Computer Oriented Programs; Computer Simulation; Computer Software Development; Disabilities; Information Sources; Information Technology; Physical Disabilities

The Community Access Through Technology Project (CATT) is developing and implementing virtual reality software that persons with disabilities can use to experience a physical location prior to visiting it in person. A virtual scenario of one physical location has been developed, implemented, and tested, and work is underway on two others. Using a computer mouse or an adaptive device, individuals can "navigate" through various environments and view short movies of processes. Detailed maps and annotations about access issues are provided for each site. Thirty-four subjects (21 males and 13 females) with physical disabilities completed the study. Disabilities of the subjects were varied an included persons with Spina Bifida, paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group, virtual reality treatment group (VR), or the leisure education-virtual reality treatment group (LE-VR). The premise that a facilitated virtual tour prior to visitation to a new site would reduce anxiety was supported by the data. In addition, the data supported the premise that a virtual tour would increase knowledge about the facility. (Author/AEF)