203 P.L. (Tamar) Weiss et al. (eds.), Virtual Reality for Physical and Motor
Rehabilitation, Virtual Reality Technologies for Health and Clinical Applications,
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4939-0968-1_10, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014
Objective To provide an overview of the evolution of VR technologies across
domains of childhood disability that focuses on the evidence base for applications
in research, clinical and community settings in order to optimise outcomes for the
child and family.
10.1 Introduction
10.1.1 Theoretical Models of Rehabilitation:
Where Does VR Fit In?
The ICF-CY represents a seismic shift away from the notion of disability as a purely
medical construct in which the disability or impairment resides entirely with the
child. Rather, there has been a move to a more ecological approach which considers
the physical and psychological as well as the political and societal experiences of
the child who has the “impairment” that then gives rise to disability and potential
discrimination. An ecological approach to rehabilitation considers the impact of
childhood disability on both the child and their family. Interventions therefore need
to address the interaction between factors that lie within the child, the task and/or
Chapter 10
Applications of VR Technologies
for Childhood Disability
Dido Green and Peter Wilson
D. Green (*)
Centre for Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University,
Marston Road Campus, Jack Straw’s Lane, Oxford, OX3 0FL, UK
e-mail: dido.green@brookes.ac.uk
P. Wilson
School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Pde., Melbourne,
VIC 3450, Australia
e-mail: peterh.wilson@acu.edu.au