Download or read book ACCESSIBLE TOOLS ON TOUCHSCREEN DEVICES FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE written by Mrim Alnfiai and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Input methods on touchscreen devices are often developed without taking into account the needs of people with no or low vision. Because of this, there has been a strong research interest in the development of techniques for touchscreen accessibility for blind people, such as integrating the screen reader in smartphone devices. However, the QWERTY keyboard and the button calculator with VoiceOver and many other proposed touchscreen keyboards are in many ways inaccessible to blind and visually impaired people because they primarily require finding key locations on a touchscreen and both hands are needed to interact with keyboard interfaces. The primary objective of this research is to create, design and evaluate button-free user interfaces that allow blind users to overcome the limitations of button-based input methods, as well as mitigate privacy and security concerns. This research presents a model of designing accessible button-free input methods on smartphone devices that assist blind and visually impaired users. This thesis outlines the progressive development and evaluation of button-free user interfaces designed to make touchscreen devices on mobile phones more accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals. The first of these, SingleTapBraille, makes inputting text faster and more accurate than with the most common standard option, QWERTY keyboard with VoiceOver. Similarly, BrailleTap makes the entry of numbers and arithmetic symbols easier than with the standard smartphone calculator. We also introduce BrailleEnter, which further improves the functionality of SingleTapBraille and BrailleTap. Lastly, we address the security concerns associated with systems that increase accessibility for visually impaired individuals, specifically the password vulnerability associated with the auditory feedback provided by the VoiceOver service. We address this with BraillePassword, which provides input feedback to the user via haptic feedback that only the user can access. Four user studies are conducted with blind and visually impaired people. Data is generated through qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings indicate that the developed Braille tools significantly enhance accessibility, and has the potential to be valuable to blind users. The proposed model allows users to overcome outstanding accessibility challenges as well as mitigate privacy and security risks they face when interacting with smartphone devices.

Download or read book Assistive Technology for Visually Impaired and Blind People written by Marion Hersh and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-05-12 with total page 743 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Equal accessibility to public places and services is now required by law in many countries. For the vision-impaired, specialised technology often can provide a fuller enjoyment of the facilities of society, from large scale meetings and public entertainments to reading a book or making music. This volume explores the engineering and design principles and techniques used in assistive technology for blind and vision-impaired people. This book maintains the currency of knowledge for engineers and health workers who develop devices and services for people with sight loss, and is an excellent source of reference for students of assistive technology and rehabilitation.

Download or read book Evaluation of the Accessibility of Touchscreens for Individuals who are Blind Or Have Low Vision written by Elizabeth Codick and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Touchscreen devices are well integrated into daily life and can be found in both personal and public spaces, but the inclusion of accessible features and interfaces continues to lag behind technology’s exponential advancement. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of individuals who are blind or have low vision (BLV) while interacting with non-tactile touchscreens, such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, coffee machines, smart home devices, kiosks, ATM machines, and more. The goal of this research is to create a set of recommended guidelines that can be used in designing and developing either personal devices or shared public technologies with accessible touchscreens. This study consists of three phases, the first being an exploration of existing research related to accessibility of non-tactile touchscreens, followed by semi-structured interviews of 20 BLV individuals to address accessibility gaps in previous work, and finally a survey in order to get a better understanding of the experiences, thoughts, and barriers for BLV individuals while interacting with touchscreen devices. Some of the common themes found include: loss of independence, lack or uncertainty of accessibility features, and the need and desire for improvements. Common approaches for interaction were: the use of high markings, asking for sighted assistance, and avoiding touchscreen devices. These findings were used to create a set of recommended guidelines which include a universal feature setup, the setup of accessibility settings, universal headphone jack position, tactile feedback, ask for help button, situational lighting, and the consideration of time."--Abstract.

Download or read book Making Spatial Information Accessible on Touchscreens for Users who are Blind and Visually Impaired written by William Grussenmeyer and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Touchscreens have become a de facto standard of input for mobile devices as they most optimally use the limited input and output space that is imposed by their form factor. In recent years, people who are blind and visually impaired have been increasing their usage of smartphones and touchscreens. Although basic access is available, there are still many accessibility issues left to deal with in order to bring full inclusion to this population. One of the important challenges lies in accessing and creating of spatial information on touchscreens. The work presented here provides three new techniques, using three different modalities, for accessing spatial information on touchscreens. The first system makes geometry and diagram creation accessible on a touchscreen through the use of text-to-speech and gestural input. This first study is informed by a qualitative study of how people who are blind and visually impaired currently access and create graphs and diagrams. The second system makes directions through maps accessible using multiple vibration sensors without any sound or visual output. The third system investigates the use of binaural sound on a touchscreen to make various types of applications accessible such as physics simulations, astronomy, and video games.

Download or read book Improving Smartphone s interaction for visually impaired and blind users written by Alex Cole and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2013-04-09 with total page 21 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2012 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: A, The University of Liverpool, language: English, abstract: Abstract A great number of smart phones still are inadequately interactive with visually impaired and blind users and thesteps to providing access that actually exist does not give or sustain some of the tasks efficiently. This literature review presents some of the issues and gives different yet effective solutions and guidelines to improve the Smartphone’s interface with visually impaired and blind users. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Nowadays, mobile devices allow the disabled people with many different opportunities to act independently in the world. However, these powerful and competent devices may have large number of interactivity challenges, especially for the people who are blind or visually impaired. Research and different studies proves that a blind or visually impaired person has better capability to rely on other senses most importantly the touch and audio sensors. This literature review would be dealing with the analysis and studies of different interfaces for the blind and visually impaired patients, keeping in view the important points that favour the user in every way. Using the haptic concept, to elaborate the letters for the blind user while writing a text message or calling someone and an audio interface to direct and communicate between the phone and user. There are some problems that hinder blind users to interact with the Smartphonewhich includes screen touch, interface, text entry, navigation, individual differences and some other problems. There are no efforts that have been made to discover the control of touch or smart phones in non-visual mobile interface. In this lecture review, I am going to present some works that have been done recently about interacting challenges with Smartphone devices and blind people.

Download or read book Universal Access in Human Computer Interaction Context Diversity written by Constantine Stephanidis and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2011-06-24 with total page 453 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The four-volume set LNCS 6765-6768 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction, UAHCI 2011, held as Part of HCI International 2011, in Orlando, FL, USA, in July 2011, jointly with 10 other conferences addressing the latest research and development efforts and highlighting the human aspects of design and use of computing systems. The 47 revised papers included in the third volume were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The papers are organized in the following topical sections: universal access in the mobile context; ambient assisted living and smart environments; driving and interaction; interactive technologies in the physical and built environment.

Download or read book Accessible Connections Empowering Visually Impaired Individuals through Mobile Technology written by Bailey Wilkie and published by Bailey Wilkie. This book was released on 2023-06-05 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Accessible Connections: Empowering Visually Impaired Individuals through Mobile Technology" is a comprehensive guidebook designed to empower visually impaired individuals in utilizing cell phones to enhance their daily lives. In this book, readers will discover a wealth of information, practical tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to navigate cell phones and utilize various accessibility features. The book begins by highlighting the purpose and importance of mobile technology for people with visual impairment, emphasizing the transformative impact it can have on communication, independence, and access to information. It explores the accessible features available on cell phones, such as screen readers, magnification tools, and voice control, enabling readers to customize their devices to suit their specific needs. Readers will gain in-depth knowledge about specific accessibility features on popular platforms like iOS and Android, including VoiceOver, TalkBack, Zoom, and Magnification. Furthermore, the book sheds light on specialized devices designed exclusively for visually impaired individuals, such as braille displays and screen protectors with raised buttons. In addition to accessibility features, the book covers a wide range of practical applications of mobile technology. It delves into the use of communication apps, health and wellness apps, note-taking and voice recording apps, money management and payment apps, and GPS and navigation apps, among others. It also addresses vital aspects such as protecting personal information, safe usage of public Wi-Fi networks, and advocating for increased accessibility in the tech industry. Throughout the book, readers are encouraged to embrace continuous learning, stay informed about advancements in technology, and actively participate in shaping accessibility features through user testing and feedback programs. Moreover, the book provides guidance on troubleshooting common issues and emphasizes the importance of embracing the potential of mobile technology to enhance the lives of visually impaired individuals. "Accessible Connections" serves as a comprehensive and empowering resource for visually impaired individuals, their families, educators, and professionals working in the field of accessibility. With its user-friendly approach, practical advice, and emphasis on inclusion, this book aims to equip readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape confidently, break down barriers, and embrace the full potential of mobile technology.

Download or read book Assistive Technologies for People with Diverse Abilities written by Giulio E. Lancioni and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2014-01-07 with total page 341 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The familiar image of the disabled tends to emphasize their limitations and reduced quality of life. However, many people with cognitive, motor, and other difficulties also have the capacity to enhance their social interactions, leisure pursuits and daily activities with the aid of assistive technology. Assistive devices from the simple to the sophisticated, have become essential to intervention programs for this population. And not surprisingly the numbers of devices available are growing steadily. Assistive Technologies for People with Diverse Abilities offers expert analysis of pertinent issues coupled with practical discussion of solutions for effective support. Its comprehensive literature review describes current and emerging devices and presents evidence-based guidelines for matching promising technologies to individuals. Program outcomes are assessed, as are their potential impact on the future of the field. In addition, chapters provide detailed descriptions of the personal and social needs of the widest range of individuals with congenital and acquired conditions, including: Acquired brain damage. Communication impairment. Attention and learning difficulties (with special focus on college students). Visual impairment and blindness. Autism spectrum disorders. Behavioral and occupational disorders. Alzheimer's disease. Severe, profound and multiple impairments. The scope and depth of coverage makes Assistive Technologies for People with Diverse Abilities an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals and graduate students in developmental psychology, rehabilitation medicine, educational technology, occupational therapy, speech pathology and clinical psychology.

Download or read book Smartphones for Vision Rehabilitation written by Suraj Singh Senjam and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In today,Äôs world, digital technology and smartphones have become a part of our everyday lives. Smartphones are one of the most advance forms of digital technology that can be viewed as assistive technology for disabled, including for individual with a visual loss. However, they are often not considered as assistive technology for visual impairment and blind, especially in low middle-income countries. There have been a lot of development in the mobile technology that incorporates computer technology, including electronic information, communication technology as well as touch-screen accessibility. Such an advancement in smart technology of mobile devices leads to the transformation of the interface technique from visual smartphones interaction into a truly eyes-free means interaction by using other body senses, such as haptic, gesture, and sound, etc. These innovative accessible features and applications enhance the accessibility of smartphones significantly to individuals with visual impairment. There are many built-in accessible features and third-party accessible applications that enable to access many useful information and contents in the smartphones. Such aesthetic technology facilitates in performing daily activities, independent functioning, movement, social inclusion and participation, educational activities, accessing information of today,Äôs digital society, sighted help, and finally helps to improve the quality of life. Therefore, these smart technologies make smartphones to serve as assistive technology for people with visual impairment and blindness. The smartphones are visually and physically demanding, and are ubiquitous any time and any place, and user can carry it at everywhere. They are universally design, so less social stigma to the users and less discomfort when using it. To view smartphones as assistive technology universally, healthcare providers, caregivers or rehabilitation professionals need to be informed, and make aware of the beneficial aspect of smartphones and its accessibility. Finally, engineers and developers are continuously fostering to develop more innovative and readily accessible apps for visual impairment. Since single app does not fit all purposes for visual impairment and blind, there is a potential need of developing clinical guidelines on the use of such accessible apps or features that will help to recommend appropriately for various types of functions.

Download or read book Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision written by Roberto Manduchi and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2018-09-03 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Assistive technology has made it feasible for individuals with a wide range of impairments to engage in many activities, such as education and employment, in ways not previously possible. The key factor is to create consumer-driven technologies that solve the problems by addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments. Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision explores a broad range of technologies that are improving the lives of these individuals. Presenting the current state of the art, this book emphasizes what can be learned from past successful products, as well as what exciting new solutions the future holds. Written by world-class leaders in their field, the chapters cover the physiological bases of vision loss and the fundamentals of orientation, mobility, and information access for blind and low vision individuals. They discuss technology for multiple applications (mobility, wayfinding, information access, education, work, entertainment), including both established technology and cutting-edge research. The book also examines computer and digital media access and the scientific basis for the theory and practice of sensory substitution. This volume provides a holistic view of the elements to consider when designing assistive technology for persons with visual impairment, keeping in mind the need for a user-driven approach to successfully design products that are easy to use, well priced, and fill a specific need. Written for a broad audience, this book provides a comprehensive overview and in-depth descriptions of current technology for designers, engineers, practitioners, rehabilitation professionals, and all readers interested in the challenges and promises of creating successful assistive technology.

Download or read book Adaptive Technology for the Internet written by Barbara T. Mates and published by ALA Editions. This book was released on 2000 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This work demonstrates how to make electronic information resources available to people with disabilities. The authors offer advice on technologies including screen readers, Braille screens, voice recognition systems, hearing assistance devices and HTML coding for accessibility. In addition to product descriptions, they cover the infrastructure issues like funding and staff training. A listing of adaptive technology programmes in libraries around America is provided.

Download or read book Assistive Technology written by Alain Pruski and published by IOS Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 812 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Points towards the difficulty encountered in research and development carried out by laboratories to reach the users. This book aims at alerting developers so that they pay attention to the outcome of their work. Inventive research and technologies which have a high potential in the field of Assistive Technology are described in this publication.

Download or read book Assistive Technology Products for Information Access written by and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Enhancing the Human Experience through Assistive Technologies and E Accessibility written by Kouroupetroglou, Christos and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2014-06-30 with total page 371 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Information Communication Technologies (ICT) have become an increasingly prevalent part of everyday life. Today, there are many cases in which ICT assist the elderly and people with disabilities to complete tasks once thought impossible. Enhancing the Human Experience through Assistive Technologies and E-Accessibility discusses trends in ICT in relation to assistive technologies and their impact on everyday tasks for those with disabilities. This reference work provides different perspectives on upcoming technologies and their impact on e-accessibility and e-inclusion, essential topics for researchers, businesses, and ICT product developers in the field of assistive technologies.

Download or read book Computers Helping People with Special Needs written by Klaus Miesenberger and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-06-26 with total page 708 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The two-volume set LNCS 8547 and 8548 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs, ICCHP 2014, held in Paris, France, in July 2014. The 132 revised full papers and 55 short papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 362 submissions. The papers included in the first volume are organized in the following topical sections: accessible media; digital content and media accessibility; 25 years of the Web: weaving accessibility; towards e-inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities; the impact of PDF/UA on accessible PDF; accessibility of non-verbal communication; emotions for accessibility (E4A), games and entertainment software; accessibility and therapy; implementation and take-up of e-accessibility; accessibility and usability of mobile platforms for people with disabilities and elderly persons; portable and mobile platforms for people with disabilities and elderly persons; people with cognitive disabilities: At, ICT and AAC; autism: ICT and AT; access to mathematics, science and music and blind and visually impaired people: AT, HCI and accessibility.

Download or read book Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility written by Yue-Ting Siu and published by APH Press. This book was released on 2020 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility, the second edition of 2008's Assistive Technology for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: A Guide to Assessment, uses clear language to describe the range of technology solutions that exists to facilitate low vision and nonvisual access to print and digital information. Part 1 gives teachers, professionals, and families an overview of current technologies including refreshable braille displays, screen readers, 3D printers, cloud computing, tactile media, and integrated development environments. Part 2 builds on this foundation, providing readers with a conceptual and practical framework to guide a comprehensive technology evaluation process. As did its predecessor, Access Technology for Blind and Low Vision Accessibility is focused on giving people who are blind or visually impaired equal access to all activities of self-determined living, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated within their home, school, and work communities"--

Download or read book Assessment of Access Methods for Mobile Maps for Individuals who are Blind Or Visually Impaired written by David Stephen Parker and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When people go to a mall, museums, or other such locations they tend to rely on maps to find their way around. However, for people who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) maps are not easily accessible and they depend on other means, such as a guide, to get around. Research has only just begun to investigate providing maps for people who are BVI on touch screen devices. Many different types of feedback have been used: audio (sound), tactile (touch), audio-tactile, and multitouch. Some research has been conducted on the benefit of using multiple fingers (multitouch) and has found conflicting results. Yet, no known research has been conducted on the comparison of using audio feedback to that of tactile feedback. In this study, we look to try and answer two questions. 1.) Is audio equal to or better than tactile? As well as: 2.) Does multiple fingers help? Participants were asked to use seven different methods (4 audio, 3 tactile) to explore an overview map and an individual map and answer questions about them. Results showed that overall, audio cues are similar or better than tactile cues which is beneficial since it requires less battery to generate audio cues than tactile cues. It was also shown that the use of multiple fingers was more beneficial in tasks that are spatially demanding. While those who have tactile experience benefited when using two fingers with each finger represented by a different instrument played to separated ears.