Xr accessibility – learning from the past and addressing real user needs for inclusive immersive environments: Introduction to the special thematic session

XR is an acronym used to refer to the spectrum of hardware, software applications, and techniques used for virtual reality or immersive environments, augmented or mixed reality and other related technologies. The special thematic session on ‘XR Accessibility’ explores current research and development as well as presenting diverse approaches to meeting real user needs in immersive environments. The contributed research papers range from using spatial sound for object location and interaction for blind users, to alternative symbolic representation of information, Augmented Reality (AR) used in rehabilitation for stroke patients and vocational skills training for students with intellectual disabilities. The session also explores what we can learn from previous research into immersive environments – looks at opportunities for future research and collectively explores how we can together iterate accessibility standards.