Using immersive reality to increase parents’ knowledge about their children with intellectual disabilities: A pilot study report

Immersive Reality (IR) is a form of Virtual Reality (VR) that has evolved in terms of usability and accessibility. This study sought to ascertain whether we can increase parents' knowledge and experiences about their children with intellectual disabilities by using immersive reality. We used an Immersive software known as IMERCYVE to depict the real life of people living with intellectual disabilities. The study investigates the possibility of using IM to educate parents of children with intellectual disabilities and how this experience affects their day-to-day interactions with their children. Using a qualitative method, data was collected through semi-structured interview questions. The study discovered that prior to this experience, parents had no idea how to aid a child with intellectual disabilities. However, after the IMERCYVE practice with the help of the oculus technology, they now have proper knowledge about what their children with intellectual disabilities could be experiencing in real life. The findings suggest that in the future, we may need to increase education at all levels for parents who have intellectually disabled children through immersive reality experiences.