Tony Brooks

The Picturing Sound multisensory environment: an overview as entity of phenomenon

Abstract This paper presents three case studies selected from a sample of teenage children (n = 11) having severe disabilities. Personalised audiovisual environments are created with a targeted goal to encourage interaction, creativity and artistic expression from the teenagers. The feedback stimuli is directly linked to the childs gesticulations for a sense of associated control to be available for recognition. Non-intrusive sourcing of gesture is through camera data mapped to computer vision algorithms. Intervention strategies from staff and helpers within such user-centred environments are questioned. Results point to the positive benefits for these children such as increased eye-to-hand coordination, concentration duration, andimproved communication. These findings corroborate with other research in being indicative of the potentials in utilising such interactive multisensory environments in special schools and institutes as a supplemental tool for traditional methods.

Empowered interaction through creativity

Abstract This paper reflects upon a case study where exploration, play and empowerment in interactive therapy sessions with audio and visual stimuli resulted in achievement, self-esteem and a shared pride between a young adult with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), his mother and the special teacher that conducted the sessions. Following the gift to the mother of a video recording that depicted the young adults progress as a result of the sessions it was found that upon viewing he was able to recognize himself and associate with his activities. Further, when watching alongside his mother, the recorded material became as a mediating reference for his communication. Conclusions consider contextual parallel activities from earlier research where digital paintings that were printed from screen shots of interactive sessions and recorded auditory achievements were presented to helpers and family of similarly severe disabled users.

Special Issue on Virtual Reality Technologies for Disability and Rehabilitation

The papers presented in this issue provide a glimpse of the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies (ICDVRAT) research community, illustrating advances in virtual reality and associated technologies facilitating interaction in physical and digital environments for individuals and practitioners in disability and rehabilitation. We hope that you will find this issue of interest and recommend this journal and use it to communicate this research to a broader public.