Beyond the Page: Designing Inclusive AR Storytelling for All Learners
Image credit: VR LABAbstract
How do you build an augmented reality book for a child who finds traditional stories overwhelming? And what happens when that book sparks a measurable uplift in focus, joy and engagement for neurodivergent learners? In this talk, Pamela Aculey and Alex Kosminsky — the husband-and-wife team behind MIXD Reality share the real story of creating Buster Finds His Beat, the UK’s first inclusive AR children’s book inspired by their autistic son, Walter. They reveal how storytelling, accessibility and immersive technology can work together to give children new ways of entering and understanding the world of reading. From sensory-informed design choices to the challenges of developing AR for early-years learners, the talk maps the journey from lived experience to award-winning innovation, and explores how immersive technology can create new pathways into literacy, confidence and self-expression. The session will also touch on MIXD Reality’s future vision, including early work toward a scalable SaaS platform designed to help educators, publishers and creators build their own inclusive immersive experiences — widening access and ensuring that every child can engage with stories in the way that feels right for them.
About the speaker: MIXD Reality is an award-winning UK creative tech company pioneering inclusive augmented reality for children’s literacy. Founded by husband-and-wife team Pamela Aculey and Alex Kosminsky, the company blends lived experience, accessibility-led design, and advanced AR to support all children; particularly SEND and neurodivergent learners whose strengths are often overlooked by traditional reading tools.
Inspired by their autistic son Walter, MIXD Reality created Buster Finds His Beat — the UK’s first inclusive AR picture book featuring a mixed-heritage autistic protagonist. The book has received national recognition for its innovation, representation and measurable impact, helping children stay engaged, focused and connected to the joy of reading.
MIXD Reality continues to develop pioneering immersive experiences that reduce barriers, honour diverse ways of learning, and ensure every child can see themselves in a story.
About BhamXR: BhamXR brings together more than 100 researchers from across the University to design responsible, human-centred XR and virtual worlds. Our interests spans identity and embodiment, perception and presence, regulation and rights, access and equity, creativity and cognition. Our aim is to shape immersive technologies that enhance learning, well-being, inclusion, and the public good within sustainable, ethical frameworks. BhamXR isn’t just for researchers in Birmingham we welcome collaborators from anywhere in the world. If you’re working on immersive technologies and want to connect, please reach out.