ASSESSMENT OF HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY: PROMOTING THE RIGHT TO INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The pursuit of independent living has emerged as a paramount objective within the realm of disability. The accessibility of living spaces is recognized as a pivotal factor contributing to personal independence. However, existing standards and methodologies for crafting accessible housing often fall short in comprehensively assessing and addressing the intricate functional dynamics inherent in the interactions of individuals with disabilities within these environments. To advance the right to independent living for individuals with disabilities, this research shows the use of virtual reality in facilitating the design of universally accessible housing (UAH). While various authors have previously documented the application of virtual reality simulations for training across diverse fields, such as wheelchair usage and architectural design processes, there is an absence in their deployment for the evaluation of housing designs per se. This study scrutinizes the essential parameters crucial to housing design and pioneers the development of a virtual reality simulation for their evaluation. The findings illuminate the efficacy of these simulations in monitoring and simulating diverse designs and accessibility solutions. This approach proves instrumental in identifying and rectifying potential issues prior to construction, enabling the incorporation of precise accessibility measures and adaptations tailored to individuals with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that the housing is not only fully accessible but also provides a comfortable and inclusive living environment.