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.
Learn More
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. […]
CTOs & IT Managers
Job Resources CTOs & IT Managers Are you a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Information Technology (IT) Manager looking for ways to make the technology you procure and use more accessible? Below are a few of PEAT’s most popular resources that will help. Procure Accessible Technology Learn how to make sure the technology you procure is accessible. Learn About Accessible XR See PEAT's library of resources dedicated to virtual, augmented and mixed reality, collectively known as extended reality (XR). Learn About Accessibility Testing Listen to this podcast episode on the importance of accessibility testing in the technology procurement process. Learn the Language Get model procurement language for your information communication technologies (ICT).
Check Out PEAT’s axe-con & CSUN Slides
The PEAT team presented at some exciting events during the month of March. If you attended and want a refresher or could not make it and would like to read what we shared, the slides are linked below. […]
What’s Happening in Inclusive XR
The PEAT team recently participated in the ITIF Policy Forum and the inaugural XRA Limitless Futures conference. At these events, we shared thought leadership and resources surrounding inclusive extended reality (XR) in the workplace. While there are many areas to pay attention to when it comes to inclusive XR, three key takeaways stand out. […]
Podcast: Captioning the XR-Infused Workplace
Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Inclusion for EMEA at Google, shares his perspectives on emerging issues in accessible technology. He delves into hot topics, including how to handle immersive captioning in virtual reality and the need to recognize that traditional accommodations may not be the optimum solution for hybrid workplaces. […]
Inclusive Workplace XR
This white paper gives an in-depth look at ways accessible extended reality (XR) technologies can enhance organizations and promote inclusion.
Inclusive XR Brief
This brief overview is designed to help leadership understand the value of inclusive extended reality (XR) technologies in the workplace.
5 Takeaways from the XR Access Symposium Report
What if a construction company could use virtual reality to train employees on worksite hazards from the safety of a conference room? Or an expert wind turbine technician could use augmented reality to guide on-site technicians through repairs, despite being in a different country? […]
AI & Disability Inclusion Resources
This resource library will help guide you through specific aspects of implementing and incorporating AI-enabled tools within your workplace. Each section contains an overview of the challenge or activity as well as links to guidance, tips, and templates to assist you as you move forward with your equitable AI initiative.
AI & Disability Inclusion Toolkit
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has advanced rapidly in recent years, moving from Research & Development (R&D) labs and startups into broader use. Organizations are using AI to screen job candidates, streamline the application process, monitor employee actions, and provide employee training. When not designed and implemented to consider diverse users, AI technologies can increase the risk of workplace discrimination, including for people with disabilities.
A Future Where XR is Born Accessible
The Accessibility Playbook for Emerging Technology Initiatives In 2020, PEAT published the Accessibility Playbook for Emerging Technology Initiatives. The Playbook is a blueprint for anyone seeking to launch a successful initiative to drive the development of emerging technologies that are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities. The recommendations in the Playbook are based on best practices and lessons learned from XR Access and Teach Access. PEAT has contributed to both of these communities and drawn from the collective knowledge of their leaders and participants. XR Access: A Case Study XR Access, launched in 2019, is an initiative focused on advancing the development of accessible virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)[1], collectively known as XR. The XR Access journey helped shape the Playbook and acts as a model for starting an initiative to make any emerging technology accessible. This case study provides an in-depth look at the steps taken to launch and sustain the [...]
XR Access Forges Ahead
Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies (collectively called XR) have advanced in the last decade, but some developers have overlooked accessibility in their designs. XR Association (XRA) worked with members of XR Access, including people with disabilities, to address this challenge. […]
The Accessibility Playbook for Emerging Technology Initiatives
The Accessibility Playbook for Emerging Technology Initiatives is a blueprint for anyone seeking to launch a successful initiative to drive the development of emerging technologies that are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities.
Future of Work Podcast
Join PEAT and leading HR blog Workology.com to explore how emerging technology trends in the workplace are impacting people with disabilities
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.
Podcast: The Value of VR for Training and Employee Development
Future of Work Podcast, Episode 28. George Karalis, Senior Product Manager at STRIVR discusses the value of Virtual Reality for Training and Employee Development and STRIVR’s commitment to making VR training accessible. This podcast is developed in partnership with Workology.com as part of PEAT’s Future of Work series, which works to start conversations around how emerging workplace technology trends are impacting people with disabilities. […]
Podcast: Creating VR Workplace Training Programs for People with Disabilities
Future of Work Podcast, Episode 27. Assistive Technology Specialists Chris Baumgart and Meagan Little of Imagine! Colorado discuss how they have worked with employers to create successful virtual reality (VR) workplace training programs for people with disabilities. This podcast is developed in partnership with Workology.com as part of PEAT’s Future of Work series, which works to start conversations around how emerging workplace technology trends are impacting people with disabilities. […]
Podcast: How XR is Changing Workplace Training and Accessibility
Future of Work Podcast, Episode 21. Joel Ward, Technology Strategist and AR Product Manager for Booz Allen Hamilton, discusses the current and future impact of XR on workplace training and how the XR Access initiative is working to make virtual, mixed, and augmented realities accessible. This podcast is developed in partnership with Workology.com as part of PEAT’s Future of Work series, which works to start conversations around how emerging workplace technology trends are impacting people with disabilities. […]
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.
