Extended Reality (XR)
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term to describe virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies. XR is changing the way we interact with the world around us and will, undoubtedly, shape the future of work. In fact, companies are already using these immersive technologies to train staff, enhance collaboration, and market products and services.
As XR becomes more widespread, many people stand to benefit from using these systems in their everyday lives. In the workplace, XR can be a powerful tool for employers, employees, and job seekers. It has the potential to support mission-critical functions, increase productivity, and remove barriers to employment. Yet, if XR is not developed with inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront, people with disabilities may be left behind.
What is XR?
These technologies fall under the umbrella of XR:
- Virtual Reality (VR) places users is an entirely virtual environment, completely cut off from the real-world.
- Augmented Reality (AR) is a reality where virtual objects enhance a user’s true environment.
- Mixed Reality (MR) enables users to interact with virtual objects within a real-world environment.
Video Spotlights
Chike Aguh Keynote, 2021 XR Access Symposium
Chike Aguh, Chief Innovation Officer for the US Department of Labor, discusses the importance of XR and accessibility for America’s workforce.
How Employers & HR Professionals Can Prepare for Emerging Tech in the Workplace
In this webinar, PEAT’s Co-director, Bill Curtis-Davidson, interviews accessible technology experts to explore how employers and HR professionals can help plan for an accessible workplace of the future, including the procurement of accessible technologies and the potential accommodation needs of people with disabilities.
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Podcast: Ethics, Equity, & Inclusion in Emerging Technologies
Noble Ackerson, Director of Product for AIML with Ventera Corporation and President of the CyberXR Coalition, discusses the need for diverse and inclusive extended reality (XR) and shares his perspective on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics. He also gives guidance on AI-enabled hiring tools and bias mitigation. […]
How the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Can Help Close the Employment Gap for People with Disabilities
Access to high-speed internet can be critical to succeeding in today’s workforce. […]
How the Design of Immersive Environments Impacts Inclusion
Work environments are becoming more immersive by using extended reality (XR) technologies. XR technologies include virtual, augmented and mixed reality, all of which provide new ways for people to meet, connect and work in different environments. […]
Augment Employee Learning with XR
Extended reality (XR) technologies can help employees customize their job training and retain more of what they learn. […]
Extended Reality & Mental Health Support
Did you know that your employees may already use extended reality (XR) tools for mental health support? Virtual, augmented and mixed reality (collectively known as XR) tools have many applications. Popular examples range from gaming to helping medical professionals train for complex procedures. However, as more experiences are created for XR technologies, mental health assessment and support are becoming more widely available. […]
Inclusive XR & Hybrid Work Toolkit
Visit our XR & Hybrid Work Toolkit to learn how you can ensure the XR technologies your workplace uses are accessible.
Inclusive XR in the Workplace White Paper
Gain in-depth insight into ways accessible extended reality (XR) technologies can enhance organizations and promote inclusion.
Inclusive XR in the Workplace Brief
This brief overview is designed to help leadership understand the value of inclusive extended reality (XR) technologies in the workplace.
