Video of PowerPoints with Synchronized Audio (WMV video)

Available in two formats:
Digital Download - $18
CD-ROM - $23

VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY FOR NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AND REHABILITATION

Albert "Skip" Rizzo, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Institute for Creative Technologies,
Research Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and School of Gerontology
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has now emerged as a viable tool in neuropsychology, clinical psychology and rehabilitation.  VR systems have been created that integrate real-time computer graphics, body tracking, interface devices, and visual/audio/haptic sensory displays, that allow users to interact and become immersed within computer-generated virtual environments for testing, training and treatment purposes. Much like an aircraft simulator serves to test and train piloting ability under a range of controllable conditions, VR applications have been similarly developed for the assessment and rehabilitation of human cognitive, emotional and functional processes. This workshop will present an overview of the variety of VR applications that have been created to address the clinical needs of persons with various forms of CNS dysfunction and detail the challenges that are relevant for advancing this technology into mainstream practice and research. As a result of participation in this course, the learner will: (1) Have a deeper understanding of VR technology and the rationale for its clinical use, (2) Become familiar with VR applications that have been used in the study, assessment and rehabilitation of cognitive, psychological, motor processes, and (3) Be aware of the practical and professional issues involved in the use of this technology with clinical populations.