Empirical Evaluation of Metaverse Accessibility for People Who Use Alternative Input/Output Methods

Abstract

The current metaverse platforms are not carefully designed with accessibility in mind. Many content elements and controls suffer from lack of alternative text description and appropriate markups essential for assistive technology recognition. People with severe disabilities find it difficult or impossible to independently navigate the metaverse environment due to absent orientation and mobility means in 3D virtual space. The UI/UX does not provide adequate feedback for those with limited sensory/motor functions. Overall, current metaverse environments lack robustness to reliably work with diverse assistive technologies.