Design and development of an immersive training tool for people with intellectual disability

Martina Merolli presents her End of Master Project (TFM) on immersive training for people with intellectual disabilities

Researcher and master's student at the Grupo de Tratamiento de Imágenes (GTI), Martina Merolli, presented her TFM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, titled: "Design and development of an immersive training tool for people with intellectual disability".

With a grade of 9.5, this innovative project focuses on the design and development of an immersive training tool based on Virtual Reality (VR), aiming to improve the cognitive, work, and autonomy skills of people with intellectual disabilities.

An innovative approach with Virtual Reality

People with intellectual disabilities face challenges in developing cognitive and social skills, as well as in their integration into the workforce. To address these difficulties, Martina Merolli's project proposes the use of simulated virtual environments, such as a supermarket and a restaurant, where users can practice and improve skills related to memory, attention, and autonomy in a safe and interactive setting.

Additionally, the system incorporates biomarkers such as eye-tracking, head movements, and heart rate to analyze emotions and anxiety levels, providing valuable information for improving cognitive therapy.

Evaluation and user testing

The project has been developed with an experimental and applied approach, including user testing at the Juan XXIII Foundation, where key data was collected to assess the tool’s effectiveness. Measurements of cognitive performance were carried out using sensors and questionnaires, with a special focus on improving memory and attention.

A step forward in job inclusion

The development of immersive training tools based on Virtual Reality opens new possibilities for the job inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. The ability to train in simulated environments and adjust the difficulty of activities allows for personalized experiences that facilitate learning and integration into the labor market.

From GTI, we congratulate Martina Merolli on this outstanding work and her contribution to research in accessibility and inclusion. Congratulations!