Wilson P N, Foreman N, Stanton D
Department of Psychology, University of Leicester, UK.
Disabil Rehabil. 1997 Jun;19(6):213-20. doi: 10.3109/09638289709166530.
Virtual reality, or virtual environment computer technology, generates simulated objects and events with which people can interact. Existing and potential applications for this technology in the field of disability and rehabilitation are discussed. The main benefits identified for disabled people are that they can engage in a range of activities in a simulator relatively free from the limitations imposed by their disability, and they can do so in safety. Evidence that the knowledge and skills acquired by disabled individuals in simulated environments can transfer to the real world is presented. In particular, spatial information and life skills learned in a virtual environment have been shown to transfer to the real world. Applications for visually impaired people are discussed, and the potential for medical interventions and the assessment and treatment of neurological damage are considered. Finally some current limitations of the technology, and ethical concerns in relation to disability, are discussed.
虚拟现实，即虚拟环境计算机技术，可生成人们能够与之交互的模拟对象和事件。本文讨论了该技术在残疾与康复领域的现有及潜在应用。已确定的对残疾人的主要益处在于，他们能够在模拟器中参与一系列活动，相对而言不受自身残疾所带来的限制，并且能够安全地进行这些活动。文中还展示了残疾人在模拟环境中获得的知识和技能能够转移到现实世界的证据。特别是，在虚拟环境中学习到的空间信息和生活技能已被证明可以转移到现实世界。本文讨论了针对视障人士的应用，并考虑了医学干预以及神经损伤评估与治疗的潜力。最后，讨论了该技术当前的一些局限性以及与残疾相关的伦理问题。
