Openality receives Media Cymru funding to explore inclusive VR

We're excited to announce that Campfire Digital has been awarded funding by Media Cymru's R&D Seed Funding Programme - enabling us to develop Openality, a research-driven initiative to make virtual reality genuinely inclusive for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.

Why this matters

Immersive technology holds extraordinary potential for creativity, education, and connection. But for many people, engaging with VR isn't straightforward. Barriers such as sensory sensitivities, physical disabilities, and cognitive differences make participation difficult - or impossible.

We believe immersive experiences should be open to everyone. With Media Cymru's support, we're investigating new approaches to designing interactive, adaptive virtual environments that prioritise accessibility from the ground up - not as an afterthought.

Our approach

Openality is driven by a simple conviction: that the most excluded users should be the starting point, not a special case. We're researching solutions that allow users to personalise their VR experience - from external control systems for those who struggle with standard interfaces, to mechanisms that reduce sensory overload and allow carers and teachers to monitor and guide sessions in real time.

This isn't purely theoretical. We've been here before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our team built a virtual live theatre performance space for Falmouth University students, allowing performers to stream into a shared virtual environment while producers monitored and controlled the space remotely. That project taught us something important: when immersive technology is designed with inclusivity in mind from the start, it creates powerful new possibilities for everyone.

What's next

We are now entering an active research phase, working in direct partnership with specialist SEN schools in Wales. We'll be conducting structured interviews with teachers, support staff, and assistive technology specialists - and using what we learn to shape every design decision we make.

We're particularly keen to connect with organisations, developers, and communities who share our commitment to inclusive design. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

This is the beginning of something we believe matters. We're grateful to Media Cymru for making it possible.