Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of People With Intellectual Disabilities: Review
By Standen, Penny J., PhD; Brown, David J., PhD; CyberPsychology & Behavior, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 272-282Publication Date: June 2005
Article reviewing studies of the use of virtual reality (VR) in rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities, including use of VR in (1) promoting skills for independent living, (2) enhancing cognitive performance, and (3) improving social skills. Five groups of studies are reviewed that utilize virtual technology to promote skills for independent living: (1) grocery shopping, (2) preparing food, (3) orientation, (4) road safety, and (5) manufacturing skills. Fears that skills or habits learnt in a virtual setting would not transfer to the real world setting have not been supported by the available evidence, apart from those studies with people with autism spectrum disorders. Future directions are discussed in the development of more applications for independent living skills, exploring interventions for promoting motor and cognitive skills, and the development of ecologically valid forms of assessment.
Published by: Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, Incorporated (Website:http://www.liebertpub.com)
