1,721,239 research outputs found
Playing with geometry: a multimodal Android App for blind children
No full textGeometry is a traditionally difficult subject to teach to visually impaired subjects. This paper investigates tools to help blind children learn geometry. An accessible vibro-tactile-based android application has been designed to allow children to make freehand drawings and play with geometry, recognizing common geometric shapes or topological configurations. An initial usability test of the application, performed by a blind researcher, has revealed some limitations of the proposed approach that could soon be overcome thanks to current technological innovation in the mobile world
Making Wikipedia editing easier for the blind
No full textA key feature of Web 2.0 is the possibility of sharing, creating and editing on-line content. This approach is increasingly used in learning environments to favor interaction and cooperation among students. These functions should be accessible as well as easy to use for all participants. Unfortunately accessibility and usability issues still exist for Web 2.0-based applications. For instance, Wikipedia presents many difficulties for the blind. In this paper we discuss a possible solution for simplifying the Wikipedia editing page when interacting via screen reader. Building an editing interface that conforms to W3C ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) recommendations would overcome accessibility and usability problems that prevent blind users from actively contributing to Wikipedia
Software per insegnamento precoce a bambini con sindrome autistica: ABCD SW
No full textNegli ultimi anni molti lavori di ricerca si sono focalizzati sull'apprendimento supportato dalla tecnologia per favorire gli studenti diversamente abili. La diffusione dei dispositivi mobili e la sempre maggiore disponibilità di Internet hanno favorito la creazione di strumenti di apprendimento per piattaforme portabili utilizzabili facilmente in qualsiasi momento e luogo. In questo articolo viene descritto il software didattico ABCD progettato per favorire l'apprendimento di bambini autistici a basso funzionamento. Il software, open source e gratuito, prevede meccanismi adattivi secondo le abilità di base dei bambini. Le interfacce utente del tutor e del bambino sono mantenute separate per offrire un ambiente di interazione semplice e accessibile. Il software registra i dati degli esercizi permettendo al tutor di visualizzare in tempo reale una sintesi delle performance del bambino, così da favorire il processo decisionale su come procedere nell'intervento
Improving interaction via screen reader using ARIA: an example
No full textAn interface conforming to W3C ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) suite would overcome many accessibility and usability problems that prevent blind users from actively contributing to collaborative knowledge. In a previous phase of our study we identified problems of interaction via screen reader with Wikipedia, then proposed an ARIA-based modified Wikipedia editing page. The new user interface (UI) is functionally equivalent to the original Wikipedia editing page, and its appearance is very similar (apart from an additional combobox instead of a list of links), but usability is greatly enhanced. In this demo we will show interaction via Jaws screen reader using both the original and the proposed Wikipedia editing pages
Distance learning: new opportunities for the blind
No full textThe rapid growth of the Internet has created extraordinary opportunities for distance learning, further enhanced by the diffusion of mobile learning systems. Even more than generic readers, students appreciate the portability and overall ubiquity of electronic content, but they also value legibility, presentation and good design (Wilson et al. 2002). Furthermore, smart searches and other dynamic features (such as tag clouds and semantic data navigation) make content exploration easier and faster. In this context, quality and enhanced facilities that are unavailable in paper format will fuel the future of electronic learning material.
Chats, blogs, Wikis, collaborative environments, assessment SW, podcasting, games, voting systems and more can be accessed on a laptop, palm device or cell phone—everywhere, anytime. Collaborative and cooperative technologies offer a particular contribution to the learning process. The trend is to create a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where students can collaborate and cooperate. Thus, to allow all users to enjoy these services, accessibility and usability principles should be applied when preparing materials and developing the interactive environment. Unfortunately, accessibility and usability have not progressed at the same pace as technology, and special-needs users risk missing out on this great educational opportunity. In particular, visually-impaired students still encounter difficulties when using eLearning content, both on desktop computers and on mobile devices. Accessibility and usability are fundamental when designing any user interface, but they are crucial for e-Learning systems, since technological barriers can hinder learning. Technology can support learning if it does not require additional effort on the part of the user. Specifically, the interaction environment should be transparent for users in the sense that it should not interfere with the learning, or else the benefits of distance learning risk becoming worthless. When designing electronic learning materials (i.e. Learning Objects) and delivery systems (e.g. Learning Management Systems) it is crucial to identify the needs and requirements of the target community to create a system geared to the individual; based on user profiles, learning objects are delivered according to user ability). In this chapter we focus on the needs of blind persons who interact via screen reader with voice synthesizer. For effective, efficient and satisfactory design (i.e. usable according ISO 9241-11), developers must be aware of all the obstacles encountered by users aided by assistive technology and should map accessibility and usability criteria in eLearning systems from the very earliest stages of the design process
Is Facebook really "Open" to all?
No full textSocial interaction is important for everyone, and vital for the differently-abled and elderly. Social network applications are causing us to change our ways of communicating and working. We can now make friends all over the world, share ideas and knowledge, search for others' opinions, and more. Facebook and Twitter are examples of these applications. However, these opportunities are usually meant for people who can walk, see, and talk without difficulty. In this paper we show how blind persons, using screen readers and voice synthesizers to access the Web, can interact with social network applications. Our case study focuses on Facebook, analyzing basic features, explaining electronic barriers and suggesting solutions
Visually-impaired people studying via ebook: investigating current use and potential for improvement
Full text linkEveryday activities and tasks should be easy to perform for everyone, especially in an educational context, in order to foster inclusivity and assure equal opportunities for all. In this paper, we investigate strategies and issues experienced by visually impaired people when studying via eBook. An online survey was designed to investigate preferences regarding the different formats and understand what types of actions are possible and desirable when using eBooks in an educational context. We collected the views and experiences of 75 visually-impaired people, which revealed the need to develop tools that can provide both full accessibility and high usability when reading for study. Visually impaired people would like to rely on the same widely used strategies that sighted people use when studying a text. In addition, 92% of the visually-impaired people participating in the online survey declared they were interested in a (new) reading app. The results could orient the design of new digital reading tools and functionalities that can improve interaction
Web 2.0: Twitter and the blind
No full textThe latest Internet phenomenon is Twitter, a micro-blogging platform that in just a few years has attracted millions of users. With short messages (tweets), following and followers, Twitter is reshaping ways of interacting online. Thus, its accessibility is very important for social interaction as well as for work. In this paper we discuss the accessibility of Twitter for blind users interacting via screen reader and voice synthesizer. First, basic functions such as registration, login, posting and reading tweets have been analyzed highlighting accessibility issues, then a discussion is based on the analyzed case study, offering suggestions for designers
Providing Web Accessibility for the Visually Impaired
No full textWeb accessibility means ensuring that online content, services or applications can be accessed and used by everyone, including those with special needs. Usability, on the other hand, is a multidimensional concept that depends on the application, the user context and on the goal itself, and its aim is to provide a fully satisfactory user experience. Although closely related, accessibility and usability are frequently addressed as two separate issues. Nevertheless, it is very important to apply them synergistically from the earliest phases of design in order to guarantee satisfactory interaction for users with disabilities
Home automation for an independent living: investigating needs of the visually impaired people
No full textIndependence is essential for everyone and crucial for people with disabilities. Being able to perform the activities of daily living as autonomously as possible is an important step towards real inclusion and an independent life. Several technology-enhanced services and tools have been created to address special-needs users, but are they really used and appreciated by them? Sensors and radio frequency devices are increasingly exploited to develop solutions such as the smart home, aimed at improving the quality of life for all, including people with visual impairment. This paper collects blind users' expectations and habits regarding home automation technology through an online survey and face-to-face interviews. Specifically, 42 visually impaired people answered an accessible online questionnaire to provide more insight into their needs and preferences. Next, semi-structured short interviews conducted with a set of eight totally blind participants enabled the collection of relevant user requirements in order to better understand the obstacles experienced, and to design usable home automation and remote control systems. Results showed that the main requests regard increasing autonomy in everyday tasks and having more usability and flexibility when using remote home automation control. Thanks to the collected feedback, a set of general suggestions for designers and developers of home automation and remote control systems has been proposed in order to enhance accessibility and usability for the blind user
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