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Company Corner: withVR
Here at Patchwork Hub, we believe it’s important to share the work of revolutionary assistive technology organisations. Continuing our Company Corner series, we recently caught up with Gareth Walkom from withVR. withVR provides customisable virtual reality speaking situations to support individuals with speech disabilities and differences.
What does withVR do?withVR provides customisable virtual reality speaking situations to support individuals with speech disabilities and differences. Currently, we collaborate with 100+ clinics, labs, and hospitals from 20+ different countries worldwide. withVR strives to ensure that anyone can use their voice whenever they like no matter their difference.
What led to the creation of withVR?
Our Founder, Gareth Walkom, has stuttered since the age of six. This has given him many ups and downs throughout his life. Particularly when he’s found it difficult to use his voice, come out of his comfort zone, and say exactly what he wants to say.
Why are accessibility and disability important to your company?
Practising a speaking situation such as a presentation, job interview, or phone call is difficult for many people. However, for people with speech disabilities and differences, this can be exacerbated further. This is partly due to their negative past experiences, and also worries about the reactions of their listeners. We live in an ableist world, and are afraid of being judged negatively. This should not be the case. We should be able to use our voices whenever we like, no matter our differences. withVR provides a safe place to speak to better prepare individuals for real-life speaking situations.
Does your company have a mantra or motto?
A safe place to speak.
What do you think is the biggest challenge your industry will face in the next 5 years?
The overwhelming number of VR applications makes the metaverse puzzling and confusing. It will also require more regulations to tidy things up and make it easier for people to find the content they want.
What are your thoughts on Patchwork Hub?
"Patchwork Hub is the next-gen employment platform that’s placing accessibility first - something that many companies in the same space should be looking up to."
Want to find out more about withVR? Check out the links below:
Published: July 2022
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