Against the Grain: Participatory, Inclusive Learning Design to Confront Colonial Perspectives on the Use of Virtual Reality With Autistic People

• In Event: Virtual Reality Learning Environments

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been heralded as a particularly promising technology for autistic people. However, prior studies have centered around curing or ameliorate deficits and impairments and done by non-disabled and non-autistic researchers. Project PHoENIX intentionally seeks to confront the dominant narratives and perspectives in the literature regarding the use of VR for autistic people. It was designed using participatory learning experience design methods and processes. Here, we present the results of a formative evaluation in Spring and Summer, 2022 across two phases: Phase I Usability Testing and Phase II Pilot Testing. Quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that Project PHoENIX is a highly usable and relevant VR technology, with evidence of promise for the autistic population.

Authors

• Matthew Schmidt, University of Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jie Lu, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Marc-Sonley Francois, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Xiaoman Wang, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Elexis Levine, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Minyoung Lee, University of Florida
  Presenting Author

• Rui Tammy Huang, University of Florida
  Presenting Author