Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!ogicse!milton!bgrahame@cix
From: bgrahame@cix (Bob Grahame)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: VR and the handicapped
Message-ID: <9954@milton.u.washington.edu>
Date: 23 Oct 90 14:34:00 GMT
Sender: hlab@milton.u.washington.edu
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It seems to me that VR so far is 95% Visual 5% Tactile.

While this may be fine for the majority, I foresee an increased
sense of isolation for the visually handicapped, who will
be left alone as the rest of us stride off into a virtual future.

On the other hand, VR would be of great interest to the physically
handicapped, who would be able to 'compete' on more equal terms in
a non-physical universe.

I think therefore that there needs to be more thought about
non-visual VR sensoriums here at the beginning of the technology.

Your views, Ladies and Gentlemen ?

Bob.