Title: Virtual empowerment: enhancing inclusivity and well-being for individuals with functional limitations in the metaverse

Authors: Maria Kalyvaki; Kyle Nash; Heather McIntosh

Addresses: Department of Marketing and International Business, Minnesota State University, USA ' Department of Information Systems, Cleveland State University, USA ' College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Minnesota State University, USA

Abstract: This paper explores the transformative potential of the metaverse for individuals with disabilities and older adults, focusing on its ability to enhance social inclusion, cognitive development, and therapeutic interventions. The study reviews existing academic literature and incorporates qualitative insights from interviews with residents of Second Life, one of the earliest virtual worlds. The findings highlight the psychological benefits of using avatars to transcend physical and cognitive limitations, allowing users to engage in activities and social interactions that may be restricted in the physical world. The paper also discusses the challenges of accessibility, usability, and potential overuse in virtual environments, offering recommendations for creating more inclusive and supportive digital spaces for people with diverse needs.

Keywords: metaverse; virtual reality; disabilities; elderly; second life; avatars; inclusivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2026.155823

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2026 Vol.22 No.1, pp.67 - 84

Received: 02 Oct 2024
Accepted: 28 May 2025
Published online: 24 Aug 2026 *

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