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How virtual reality can help people with disability – University of Reading

The University of Reading's Interactive Systems Research Group (ISRG) is holding a major international conference focusing on how advances in Virtual Reality can help people with disability. The International Conference Series on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies (ICDVRAT) is taking place over three days from Monday 20 September. Scientists from all over the world will gather to showcase their work in 10 crucial areas including: • Stroke Rehabilitation • Enhancing Mobility and Accessibility • Virtual Environments and Games for Special Needs • Brain Injury and Rehabilitation • Speech and Communication The programme includes posters, exhibits and live demonstrations, including an undergraduate project by Reading's Adam Spiers who will be demonstrating his 'torch for the blind'. This is held as any other torch but will alert blind or partially sighted people to the proximity of objects, acting as a replacement for a white stick. Professor William Harwin will showcase his Haptics Technology PhD student Ali Al-Khalisah is presenting a paper on the medical applications of the research in virtual reality that is taking place in Reading's ICDVRAT centre. The Programme Chair is Professor Paul Sharkey of RISG and the two co-chairs are Dr Rachel McCrindle (Computer Science) in the School of Systems Engineering and Dr David Brown, Nottingham Trent University. ICDVRAT is taking place at New College, Oxford