Virtual Reality and Inclusive Learning of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Review of Findings and the Path Ahead

Past research has given due attention to the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how learning can be enabled, mainly through technology, including virtual reality (VR). Scholars have noted that VR-based tools have yet to be adopted as anticipated despite their general usefulness in enabling learning for vulnerable groups, calling for more research into the causes. The present study contributes to this agenda by presenting a comprehensive review of the past literature to serve as a basis for future research. Employing the systematic literature review (SLR) approach, the study analyzed the contents of 56 relevant studies to present their research profile and critical discussions under three heads-context, approaches, and reasons for adoption/resistance. The study also uncovered research gaps in the reviewed literature and suggested research paths to guide future research. The analysis also served as the basis for offering functional theoretical and practical implications.