Supporting All Learners
At IMMERSE, we are dedicated to making VR language learning accessible and inclusive for all users. This article outlines the accessibility features currently available for individuals with visual, auditory, or motor impairments in IMMERSE, features provided natively by Meta VR headsets, and some exciting plans for future improvements.
For Individuals with Visual Impairments
Have a visual impairment? No worries—we’ve got you covered with features that ensure you’re not missing a thing.
Immerse Features
✨ Bright, Contrasting Colors
Ever felt like VR environments can be a little too meh when it comes to clarity? Not in Immerse! Our vibrant, high-contrast scene visuals make everything pop, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.📜 Content Enlargement Options
From class notes to photos, you can zoom in on key content to make sure you’re catching every detail. Big ideas deserve big visibility!🎧 Audio Voice-Over in Tutorials
Whether you’re a fan of reading or prefer someone guiding you along, our tutorials include audio narration to make onboarding a breeze.🔎 Object Scanner with Pronunciation and Listen Features
Imagine pointing at an object, hearing its name, and practicing pronunciation—all in VR. Pretty magical, right? This scanner is your new best friend for learning vocabulary in a snap.🤖 AI Define/Translate Tool
Integrated within class notes while in a scene, this tool provides definitions and translations with an audio playback option for clearer understanding.🔊 Spatial Voice Audio
Hear voices from the direction they’re coming from—so you always know who’s chatting where, even without seeing them.📃 Sortable Object List with Audio
Sort objects by word or photo, and get audio pronunciation to boot. It’s like a treasure hunt for your language skills!
👀 First- and Third-Person Views
Prefer to see the world through your own eyes or watch from an outside perspective? On a computer, you can easily toggle between first- and third-person views to find what works best for you! Press the tab button to zoom in even further!🔔 Auditory Notifications
Stay in the loop with sound! Whether it’s an object being placed, a note being added, or celebrating with a high-five 🙌, you’ll hear distinct audio cues to keep you in the know.⚡ Haptic Feedback
Feel the interaction! Whether it’s a clap, high five, or an object interaction, haptic vibrations make virtual moments feel real.
🎨 Color Correction Filters: Adjust colors for different types of color blindness.
🔍 Display Contrast: Make visuals sharper and bolder.
📏 Adjustable Text Size: From small to super-sized, you choose!
Future Goals
🎨 Color Correction
We’re working on tools to make colors more distinguishable for users with color blindness. Say goodbye to those “wait, is that green or red?” moments!
For Individuals with Auditory Impairments
Let’s make some noise for users who rely on visuals and text cues to thrive in IMMERSE - because that's what we're all about!
Immerse Features
🎧 Audio in Practice Activities
Missed something? No worries—you can replay the audio as many times as you need to catch every detail.📝 Instructions Sent Visually as well as Explained Verbally
Clear instructions are a game-changer! Guides explain activities out loud and send visual instruction cards directly to you. Enlarge them 🔍, translate them 🌐, or ask your Guide for help 🤔—all from the card itself.
🔊 Auditory Balance in Spatial Audio
For those with partial hearing loss, our spatial audio feature is a lifesaver! It helps you locate who’s speaking and where they’re standing, making group interactions much easier and way more enjoyable.✨ Visual Notifications
See it, hear it, feel it! Along with auditory cues, you’ll get visual notifications for key moments—like an object being placed, a note appearing, or when it’s time to celebrate.
🤫 Ability to Mute Other Users to Focus
Need a quiet moment to focus on your Guide or partner? Mute other users with ease so you can stay locked in on what matters most. Perfect for those all-important tasks!
🎧 Audio Balance Adjustment: Fine-tune the sound between your left and right ears.
✍ Live Captions: See what people are saying in real time (supported Meta Horizon apps only - not available in IMMERSE at this time).
🔊 Mono Audio: Combine left and right channels into one for clear, centralized sound.
Future Goals
🖋 Speech-to-Text for Typing in VR: Hands-free typing? Yes, please! This feature will help users type in VR using their voice.
For Individuals with Motor Impairments
Moving around in VR doesn’t have to be a hassle—we’ve got features that help you keep your focus on learning.
Immerse Features
🐭 Mouse Speed Control
On the computer, you can adjust mouse speed for smoother, more comfortable navigation.🚀 Teleport, Slide, and Spawn Points
Say goodbye to awkward movements and hello to intuitive VR travel.🪑 Standing and Sitting Orientation
Immerse works whether you’re seated or standing—it’s all about your comfort.🤢 Motion Sickness Comfort Settings
Adjust movement settings to reduce nausea and keep your learning journey smooth sailing.
🦽 Height Adjustment: Seated but want a standing view? Done!
🎮 Controller Remapping: Customize button layouts for your unique needs.
📌 Thumbstick Calibration: Ensure precise control for better interaction.
Important Consideration
While we’re constantly striving to make Immerse more inclusive, our VR experience relies heavily on controller inputs, meaning one-handed or controller-free operation is not fully feasible at this time. For users with upper-body mobility challenges, we recommend using our desktop app for the best experience—it’s packed with the same great features, optimized for mouse and keyboard use.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
While IMMERSE and META provide a robust suite of features for accessibility, we recognize that there’s always room to grow. We are actively exploring new ways to improve the experience for all users and look forward to introducing additional features in the future.
💡 Have ideas or feedback on how we can do better? We’d love to hear from you. Send us a message at [email protected] and let’s make learning even more inclusive—together! 🎉