Hanger, Austin, Texas, has launched MIGO, a virtual reality experience designed for people with limb loss and limb difference.
The
initial MIGO 360-degree immersive video experience offers users an
opportunity to have a first-person point-of-view interaction with
another person who has an amputation. Users can experience a variety of
activities, from walking down stairs, driving a car with two prosthetic
legs, to cutting food with a prosthetic arm.
The
initial rollout of MIGO VR occurred in mid-April at Hanger Clinic’s 2018
Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee (BAKA) Bootcamp. Nearly 60 attendees
simultaneously used the technology, immersing themselves in a virtual
one-on-one peer mentorship experience and viewing what it’s like to be
independent with prosthetic technology. Many of the attendees were using
wheelchairs and in the early stages of learning to walk with
prostheses.
“Losing a limb can be traumatic, often
compared to losing a loved one,” said Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP(D),
vice president of prosthetics for Hanger Clinic. “I’m thrilled we’re now
able to offer this new avenue for providing hope and inspiration,
showing those with limb loss and limb difference what is possible with
hard work, dedication, and the appropriate prosthetic devices.”
