Recently, in the attempt to increase blind people autonomy and improve their quality of life, a lot effort has been devoted develop technological travel aids. These systems can surrogate spatial information about environment deliver it end-users through sensory substitution (auditory, haptic). However, despite promising research outcomes, these solutions have met scarce acceptance real-world. Often, this is also due limited involvement real end users conceptual design phases. In article, we...

In this paper we analyze the interaction of blind users with Apple touchscreen devices iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, accessible to visually-impaired thanks their pre-installed VoiceOver screen reader or magnifier. Specifically, focus on gestures offered by simplify for users. A usability inspection devices' user interfaces has been performed integrated feedback collected via an online survey taken 55 totally Results confirm that makes basically users, but there are still some issues related...

Abstract Available accessibility guidelines do not necessarily guarantee usable Web sites, particularly when specific groups of users with special needs are considered. We have identified 15 design criteria aiming to provide integrated support and usability for vision-impaired users. In this article, we present the results a study investigating whether application such can actually improve their task performance accessing applications. report on two user tests, both involving users, that aim...

Blindness represents one of the major disabling societal causes, impacting life visually impaired people and their families. For what concerns access to written information, main tools used by blind is traditional Braille code. This reason why in recent years, there has been a technological effort develop refreshable devices. These consist multiple physical dots that dynamically change configuration reproduce different sequences letters Although promising, these approaches have many...

Journal Article Flexible tool support for accessibility evaluation Get access Barbara Leporini, Leporini ISTI-CNR, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy Search other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Fabio Paternò, Paternò * Corresponding author. Tel.: + 39 050 315 3066; fax: 313 8091. E-mail addresses:barbara.leporini@isti.cnr.it (B. Leporini), fabio.paterno@isti.cnr.it (F. Paternó), antonio.scorcia@isti.cnr.it (A. Scorcia). Antonio Scorcia Interacting with Computers,...

We have developed low cost interactive 3D models that improve access to architectural details of cultural sites for all, including people with vision impairments. Our approach uses rapid prototyping and printing along a very small single-board computer automating user interaction. As case study, we prototype model “Piazza dei Miracoli” (Pisa, Italy), the famous square where Leaning Tower is located. The system combination tactile information audio descriptions enable potential users explore...

Being able to explore and familiarise themselves with the structure details of a cultural site before actually visiting it is fundamental for orienting visually impaired people during visit; otherwise, particularly difficult gain global understanding an overall impression square, church, or large monument. Our project addressed this problem by using low cost 3D models combined audio descriptions enable users autonomously. Audio are organised into three groups (for historical, practical,...

Since the first lockdown in 2020, video conferencing tools have been becoming increasingly important for employment, education, and social interaction. This makes accessibility usability of these essential. For instance, are main functionalities fully accessible to all users? In this study we analyzed by visually impaired people using screen readers keyboard. involved an inspection evaluation test most features a survey users obtain information about three popular tools: Zoom, Google Meet MS...

The paper presents a comparative mixed methods study of the accessibility and usability for disabled people four video conferencing tools, Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet Skype.Useable responses were obtained from 81 with diverse characteristics, mainly in UK, though some groups had low representation.None tools was considered fully accessible useable.Zoom both most commonly used frequently preferred (56.1%) tool, Teams second usage trailing preferences (15.9%).It to have better captioning, but...

In this paper, we present a solution for supporting vibrotactile feedback in mobile museum guides blind users. To end, have designed and implemented hardware/software module, which can be easily plugged into current PDAs to assist users orientation. The solution, comprises two-channels haptic module as well vocal support, has been exploited moving through tagged objects. We also report on user evaluation carried out with number of

In this report, we share our experience and observations on the challenges blind people face with text entry touch-based mobile phones, particularly from perspective of one authors, who is blind. To better understand these issues developed tested Multimodal Text Input Touchscreen Keypad (MTITK), an audio-tactile prototype based multitap, which relies a telephone keypad layout organized into five key groups distinct feedback. Users explore screen to identify current selected key, tap enter...

Independence is essential for everyone and crucial people with disabilities. Being able to perform the activities of daily living as autonomously possible an important step towards real inclusion independent life. Several technology-enhanced services tools have been created address special-needs users, but are they really used appreciated by them? Sensors radio frequency devices increasingly exploited develop solutions such smart home, aimed at improving quality life all, including visual...

Geometry is a traditionally difficult subject to teach visually impaired subjects. This paper investigates tools help blind children learn geometry. An accessible vibro-tactile-based android application has been designed allow make freehand drawings and play with geometry, recognizing common geometric shapes or topological configurations. initial usability test of the application, performed by researcher, revealed some limitations proposed approach that could soon be overcome thanks current...

Since the first lockdown in 2020, video conferencing tools have become increasingly important for employment, education, and social interaction, making them essential everyday life. This study investigates accessibility usability of desktop mobile versions three popular tools, Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, visually impaired people interacting via screen readers keyboard or gestures. involved two inspection evaluations to test most features device surveys users obtain information about...