Solving Accessibility with VR & AR: A Sector-by-Sector Guide

Accessibility can be a challenge across so many spaces. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or entertainment, many environments and tools just aren’t built for everyone. But as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) continue to develop, there’s an exciting shift happening—new ways to break down barriers and make experiences more inclusive for all.

Let’s dive into how different sectors are facing accessibility challenges and how VR/AR could be the key to unlocking a more accessible future. It’s not just about fixing problems; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

Think about traditional classrooms for a second. Desks arranged in rows, blackboards or projectors, a teacher at the front. It’s a setup most of us are familiar with, but for students with disabilities, it can be an obstacle. Physical barriers, sensory overload, or simply feeling left out of the experience—there are countless ways the system doesn’t cater to everyone.

That’s where VR and AR step in. Imagine students exploring historical landmarks through a VR headset without ever leaving the classroom or attending an entirely virtual class from their homes. These technologies offer a flexible, personalised way to learn, giving students with mobility issues, sensory impairments, or learning disabilities the same opportunities as their peers. Universities like Royal Holloway have already started using VR to offer virtual campus tours, giving prospective students—especially those with disabilities—a chance to experience the campus environment without the need to physically be there.

Accessing healthcare can be a challenge for people with disabilities, from navigating long hospital corridors to overcoming communication hurdles. Virtual reality is reshaping this experience by offering more accessible, immersive content. Instead of physically visiting facilities, patients can use VR to explore hospital layouts, easing anxiety before appointments. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s virtual tour, for example, reassures patients by letting them familiarise themselves with the facility before arrival, making the experience smoother and more comfortable.

Rehabilitation is also evolving with VR simulations, where patients can engage in controlled, therapeutic environments from home.

VR is also being used to make training more accessible for healthcare teams. We’ve recently worked alongside the Guy’s Cancer Academy to create an educational tool, providing inclusive and accessible training for all.

And AR isn’t far behind.

Augmented Reality is transforming surgery by providing real-time, 3D overlays of critical information directly in a surgeon’s view. This boosts precision and reduces risk. Surgeons can now practice complex procedures virtually, enhancing their skills without needing cadavers. AR also improves medical training, making it accessible to those with disabilities or geographic limitations.

Healthcare is becoming more personalised, with AR helping tailor treatments and surgeries to individual needs. This is a major step forward in creating safer, more effective care for all.

The traditional 9-to-5 office setup wasn’t designed with everyone in mind. For employees with disabilities, whether mobility, sensory, or cognitive, the typical office space can be limiting. But what if the office wasn’t a building at all?

Enter VR, offering fully immersive work environments where physical limitations don’t matter. Employees can collaborate in virtual spaces, participate in training that’s specifically adapted for their needs, or even work remotely without feeling disconnected. Companies are already seeing the potential here—by using VR for training, employers can create environments that cater to everyone’s abilities. It’s an exciting shift, and one that brings new opportunities for inclusion in the workforce.

Museums, theatres, galleries—these cultural hubs are often difficult to access for those with disabilities. But what if art, history, and performances could come to you?

VR is making it happen. Virtual tours of museums are more than just a solution for the pandemic—they’re opening doors for those who can’t physically visit. With a headset, anyone can “walk” through the halls of the British Museum or explore the Palace of Westminster. It’s a way to democratise access to culture and bring everyone along for the journey. Take a look at this English Heritage example, and our most recent showstopper with Big Ben. 

AR is playing a role too, enhancing live events with real-time translations and audio descriptions, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the experience.

Accessing government services is another area where accessibility is often lacking. Public meetings, voting, and civic engagement can be tough for people with disabilities to participate in. Physical spaces might not be welcoming, and digital services often don’t account for accessibility needs.

But that’s beginning to change with the help of VR and AR. Virtual town halls and meetings offer a chance for everyone to have a voice, no matter where they are. And training simulations for public servants and emergency responders are helping improve services for those with disabilities. Take a look at this virtual arrest procedure training, created for The Inns of Court College of Advocacy by our team. 

Local governments are increasingly seeing the value in creating more inclusive environments, both virtually and in person. 

Nonprofit organisations are at the forefront of helping people with disabilities, but they often struggle with limited resources. Physical outreach efforts can be hard to scale, and not everyone can attend in-person events or support groups.

VR changes the game here. Imagine a support group where participants are sitting together, not in a physical room, but a virtual one. Organisations can create immersive events that bring their communities together in new ways. AR can help too, offering real-time translation, sign language interpretation, or visual aids, so no one is left behind during advocacy events or campaigns.

Travelling can be daunting for individuals with disabilities. From inaccessible transportation systems to limited accommodations, there’s a lot to navigate. But what if you could explore the world without worrying about these barriers?

With VR, virtual travel experiences are opening up new possibilities. Whether it’s a tour of the Great Wall of China or a walk through the streets of Paris, VR can take you there. It’s also making trip planning easier. Travellers can use VR to “preview” destinations and accommodations, ensuring they meet accessibility needs before booking. AR is stepping in too, assisting with navigation through airports, train stations, and tourist destinations.

As for transportation, VR is helping there too. Offering a chance to familiarise oneself with train stations through a virtual tour or an airport with the likes of virtual assistants and virtual show-rounds. 

Physical stores aren’t always easy to navigate, and online shopping platforms can present their own challenges for people with disabilities. But imagine being able to try on clothes, test products, and move through a store—all without stepping out of your home.

That’s the power of VR in retail. Virtual shopping experiences allow customers to explore stores and make purchases in an entirely accessible environment. AR is making online platforms more user-friendly too, offering real-time assistance and visual aids to help customers make informed decisions. Brands like Amazon and Shopify are beginning to embrace these technologies, making shopping more inclusive for all.

For many people with disabilities, engaging with traditional media is still difficult. Whether it’s a lack of subtitles, audio descriptions, or assistive tools, consuming content can be frustrating.

But VR and AR are transforming media consumption. Virtual environments allow users to experience content in a whole new way, while AR offers real-time captions, translations, and more. Whether it’s watching a show on Netflix or catching up on the news, media is becoming more accessible—and more enjoyable—for everyone.

As we’ve explored, VR and AR are not just futuristic technologies—they’re here and ready to make a real difference. From revolutionising education and healthcare to enhancing cultural experiences and improving accessibility in workplaces, these technologies are paving the way for a more inclusive world. By breaking down physical and digital barriers, VR and AR are offering new opportunities for people with disabilities to fully engage and participate in various aspects of life.

The potential is immense, and we’re just scratching the surface. The journey towards a more accessible future is ongoing, but with these innovative tools at our disposal, we’re moving in the right direction. Whether you’re part of an educational institution, a healthcare provider, a corporation, or any other sector, embracing VR and AR could be your next step towards creating more inclusive environments.

Next Steps:

Are you ready to explore how VR and AR can transform accessibility in your organisation? Contact us today at [email protected] to discover tailored solutions that fit your needs and start making a difference. Let’s work together to build a world where everyone has equal access and opportunities.