Accessibility is an issue of increasing interest to residents of virtual worlds. The accessibility of a virtual world is a function of the design of structures and landscapes inside the world.

Virtual Ability recognizes three valid approaches to accessibility of virtual worlds, and has written a paper about this topic published in the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research. In certain circumstances it is appropriate to either ignore or emulate real world accessibility standards. In its builds, Virtual Ability chooses to employ a third approach, which we call Universal Design of Virtual Worlds.

Universal Design (UD) is the construction of environments so that all people may use them without needing specialized designs as adaptations for disabilities. The principles of UD benefit all users by focusing on common needs of all people to the greatest extent possible, not just those with disabilities. UD avoids segregating those who need adaptations, because UD is appropriate for all users.

Consulting services regarding virtual world accessibility provided by Virtual Ability are premised on the concept of Universal Design of Virtual Worlds. For more information, please contact Eme Capalini in Second Life, or contact us.