Talk of the town: virtual world gets stroke survivors talking
Adelaide University is developing a virtual reality platform called VITAL to help stroke and brain injury survivors practice communication skills. The tool simulates everyday social interactions to improve confidence and language recovery for those with aphasia.
Why it matters
This technology offers a scalable, low-pressure therapeutic environment for patients recovering from neurological damage.
Newswise — Have you ever felt like you know exactly what you want to say, but just can't get the words out? Having a word on the tip of your tongue can be frustrating at the best of times, but for people with communication difficulties, it can be a constant struggle to find the right words, make sentences and connect with others.
Now, a new Adelaide University program is using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to create a safe space where people with speaking and communication difficulties can practise everyday conversations - from ordering a coffee to shopping for groceries - without the pressure of the real world.
The Virtual Interactive platform to Treat Anomic Language (VITAL) is being developed as a virtual town square, complete with shops, restaurants, hardware stores, hairdressers and other familiar places where people can practise finding words, asking questions and having conversations.
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