Accessible Metaverse: a theoretical framework for accessibility and inclusion in the Metaverse

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Othman, A, Chemnad, K, Hassanien, AE, Tlili, A, Zhang, CY, Al-Thani, D, Altınay, F, Chalghoumi, H, S. Al-Khalifa, H, Obeid, M, Jemni, M, Al-Hadhrami, T ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7441-604X and Altınay, Z, 2024. Accessible Metaverse: a theoretical framework for accessibility and inclusion in the Metaverse. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 8 (3): 21. ISSN 2414-4088

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/mti8030021

Abstract

The following article investigates the Metaverse and its potential to bolster digital accessibility for persons with disabilities. Through qualitative analysis, we examine responses from eleven experts in digital accessibility, Metaverse development, disability advocacy, and policy formulation. This exploration uncovers key insights into the Metaverse’s current state, its inherent principles, and the challenges and opportunities it presents in terms of accessibility. The findings reveal a mixed state of inclusivity within the Metaverse, highlighting significant advancements along with notable gaps, especially in integrating assistive technologies and ensuring interoperability across different virtual environments. This study emphasizes the Metaverse’s potential to revolutionize experiences for individuals with disabilities, provided that accessibility is embedded in its foundational design. Ethical and legal considerations, such as privacy, non-discrimination, and evolving legal frameworks, are identified as critical factors that shape an inclusive Metaverse. We propose a comprehensive framework that emphasizes technological adaptation and innovation, user-centric design, universal access, social and economic considerations, and global standards. This framework aims to guide future research and policy interventions to foster an inclusive digital environment in the Metaverse. This paper contributes to the emerging discourse on the Metaverse and digital accessibility, offering a nuanced understanding of its complexities and a roadmap for future exploration and development. This underscores the necessity of a multi-faceted approach that incorporates technological innovation, user-centered design, ethical considerations, legal compliance, and continuous research to create an inclusive and accessible Metaverse.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Multimodal Technologies and Interaction
Creators:	Othman, A., Chemnad, K., Hassanien, A.E., Tlili, A., Zhang, C.Y., Al-Thani, D., Altınay, F., Chalghoumi, H., S. Al-Khalifa, H., Obeid, M., Jemni, M., Al-Hadhrami, T. and Altınay, Z.
Publisher:	MDPI AG
Date:	1 March 2024
Volume:	8
Number:	3
ISSN:	2414-4088
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.3390/mti8030021 DOI 1870044 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	07 Mar 2024 15:44
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2024 15:44
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/51016