Building an Inclusive Metaverse: Opening Doors to a Brighter Digital Future

Description of Methods: The focus of this research is the identification and comprehensive analysis of salient scholarly literature, using content analysis to ascertain the capabilities of various assistive technologies and devices that could benefit people with disabilities, and ultimately enhance their Extended Reality (XR) and Metaverse experiences. To this end, the paper will provide definitions and characterizations of the 'Metaverse', according to its implications for Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) respectively. It will also address how key implementations of interactive hardware and software technologies, applicable to these environments, can effectively benefit prospective users with various mobility, hearing, visual and cognitive encumbrances. Discussion of Results: The paper highlights the unique accessibility features necessary to support four types of disability: visual, mobility, hearing, and cognitive. For each kind of disability, we discuss corresponding key assistive technologies, alternative input recognition devices, and behavioral use of those technologies. Specific alternative input recognition systems include White-cane-controller interfaces for the visually impaired. At the same time, speech-to-text, gesturetracking hardware such as multisensorial rings and sign-language tools are used for individuals with hearing impairments. Behavioral tracking software potentially affords avenues for training and rehabilitation purposes. This technology may also provide the capability to digitally construct virtual environments to facilitate the management of those with cognitive challenges. This may enable individuals, such as people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), to accomplish fundamental daily living tasks, as well as support the evaluation of psychological tendencies, in order to devise more comprehensive plans of treatment.