Affordable Virtual Reality Opens New Worlds for People with Disabilities WJCT.org
go to original October 23, 2015

Danny Kurtzman, who has muscular distrophy, says being able to virtually surf in Specular Theory's demo gave him "goosebumps." (Christina Farr/KQED)

Virtual reality is catching on as a tool in medicine. The technology has been used to treat phobias, reduce pain and even help doctors perform surgery.

Now virtual reality is being tried as a way to help people with disabilities explore the world that might be difficult or impossible in real life. And it's happening at a price that's well within reach.

For $10 anyone can buy a cardboard headset, download a free iPhone app, slide in a phone and explore virtual worlds from a wheelchair, bed or couch.

A couple months ago, virtual reality company Specular Theory was hosting a table at Singularity University's Future of Virtual Reality event, when Danny Kurtzman cruised by in his wheelchair.

In real life, Kurtzman, who has muscular dystrophy, catches waves with the help of a nonprofit organization that gets people with paralysis engaged in action sports. With the assistance of a 12-person team from Life Rolls On, Kurtzman can lie down on a board, get carried into the water and then move into the waves.

The day Kurtzman stopped at the Specular Theory table, he had no idea what he'd be watching. Then co-founder Ryan Pulliam handed him a virtual surfing experience.

"It was such a trip because I went surfing last week but I was lying down on the board," Kurtzman says. "In the headset I could actually experience surfing standing up!"

The Newport Beach, Calif., native says he'd never had that sensation before.

Read the rest at WJCT.org

Take to the friendly skies with RYOT’s Molly Swenson as she brings viewers into the thrilling 360 virtual reality experience of jumping out of a plane for a 90 second dive from 18,000 feet in the air. (RYOT)

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