RE: VR and accessibility literature search

Thank you, Scott.

Here are some references that I found. (There may be overlap with Scott's list.) This is not a comprehensive search. There are also papers on game accessibility that may be relevant.

Trewin, S. M., Laff, M. R., Cavender, A., & Hanson, V. L. (2008, April). Accessibility in virtual worlds. In CHI'08 extended abstracts on Human factors in computing systems
(pp. 2727-2732). ACM.

Trewin, S., Laff, M., Hanson, V., & Cavender, A. (2009). Exploring visual and motor accessibility in navigating a virtual world. ACM Transactions
on Accessible Computing (TACCESS)
, 2(2), 11.

Trewin, S., Hanson, V. L., Laff, M. R., & Cavender, A. (2008, October). PowerUp: an accessible virtual world. In Proceedings of the 10th international
ACM SIGACCESS conference on Computers and accessibility (pp. 177-184). ACM.

Folmer, E., Yuan, B., Carr, D., & Sapre, M. (2009, October). TextSL: a command-based virtual world interface for the visually impaired. In Proceedings
of the 11th international ACM SIGACCESS conference on Computers and accessibility  (pp. 59-66). ACM.

Maidenbaum, S., Chebat, D. R., Levy-Tzedek, S., & Amedi, A. (2014, June). Depth-to-audio sensory substitution for increasing the accessibility of
virtual environments. In International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction
(pp. 398-406). Springer, Cham.

Oktay, B., & Folmer, E. (2010, April). Synthesizing meaningful feedback for exploring virtual worlds using a screen reader. In CHI'10 Extended Abstracts
on Human Factors in Computing Systems
(pp. 4165-4170). ACM.

Kruger, R., & van Zijl, L. (2014, March). Rendering virtual worlds in audio and text. In Proceedings of International Workshop on Massively Multiuser
Virtual Environments
(pp. 1-2). ACM.

Maidenbaum, S., Chebat, D. R., Levy-Tzedek, S., & Amedi, A. (2014, April). Vision-deprived virtual navigation patterns using depth cues & the effect of
extended sensory range. In CHI'14 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems
(pp. 1231-1236). ACM.

Sbattella, L., Tedesco, R., & Trivilini, A. (2012, October). Multimodal Interaction Experience for Users with Autism in a 3D Environment. In Proceedings
of the 6th European Conference on Games Based Learning: ECGBL  (p. 442). Academic Conferences Limited.

Folmer, E. Virtual World Accessibility: Directions for Research. Player-Game Interaction Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University
of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
, 89557-0208.

Maidenbaum, S., & Amedi, A. (2015, March). Non-visual virtual interaction: Can Sensory Substitution generically increase the accessibility of Graphical
virtual reality to the blind?. In Virtual and Augmented Assistive Technology (VAAT), 2015 3rd IEEE VR International Workshop on
(pp. 15-17). IEEE.

Cromby, J. J., Standen, P. J., & Brown, D. J. (1996). The potentials of virtual environments in the education and training of people with learning
disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 40(6), 489-501.

Standen, P. J., & Brown, D. J. (2006). Virtual reality and its role in removing the barriers that turn cognitive impairments into intellectual disability.

Virtual Reality, 10(3-4), 241-252.

From: Scott Hollier [mailto:scott@hollier.info]
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 4:13 AM
To: RQTF <public-rqtf@w3.org>
Subject: VR and accessibility literature search

To the RQTF

As promised, I've completed an initial literature search around virtual reality and accessibility with the results below my signature. I've included about 40 references, here's a few notes:


  *   I've focused the search around VR as it relates to accessibility, the applicability of standards, creative ways of making the VR environment accessible to people with disabilities and HCI-related implications
  *   The results are quite varied, more so than I expected suggesting that the area is still quite broad. While there are some interesting ideas, there hasn't been much work done to look at the way in which VR can be made accessible in a cohesive process--driven way that focuses on standards development.
  *   While none of my search focused on any specific medium or disability group, it was interesting to note that most of the literature is weighted on blind/VI accessibility for VR and also weighted towards an e-learning context. This surprised me as I thought it'd be weighted more towards gaming.
  *   There were originally quite a few references relating to Second Life, but they were all more from a humanities concept of disability and body, so I've removed them as I thought they were a bit out of scope. Happy to add them back in though if deemed of interest.
  *   Based on our last call I didn't include augmented reality in this search but happy to do that if we want to see if it yields more relevant literature.

Look forward to chatting on the call.

Scott.


[Scott Hollier logo]Dr Scott Hollier
Digital Access Specialist
Mobile: +61 (0)430 351 909
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Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 48
Year: 2017
Title: Promethean
ClassFlowTM Announces New Digital Content Partnerships to Promote Collaborative & Immersive Learning
Place Published: Atlanta
Pages: 126
Short Title: Promethean
ClassFlowTM Announces New Digital Content Partnerships to Promote Collaborative & Immersive Learning
Keywords: United States-Us
United Kingdom-UK
China
Atlanta Georgia
Software
Students
Internet
Collaboration
Science Education
Trademarks
Virtual Reality
Learning
Cultural Heritage
Nonprofit Organizations
University of Colorado
Asia
Promethean
Technology
Abstract: ClassFlow, the free, next-generation lesson delivery software, announced new partnerships with leading digital content developers to provide teachers with expanded access to the latest innovative, immersive, and interactive educational content. According to Vin Riera, CEO of Promethean, "ClassFlow's mission is to improve education by working with teachers, schools, and students to create modern classrooms. Through its newly expanded roster of next-generation digital content partnerships, ClassFlow now provides teachers an even broader array of highly immersive interactive resources and tools for integrating STEM-based learning practices across a variety of subjects: "In 2014, I began implementing ClassFlow to optimize activities, such as delivering lessons and exercises, taking notes, and asking questions," said Dr. Valerie Camille Jones, mathematics specialist and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching at Atlanta's The Ron Clark Academy. Established in 1999, NetDragon is a vertically integrated, cutting-edge R&D powerhouse with a highly successful...


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 49
Year: 2017
Title: ClassFlow(TM) Announces New Digital Content Partnerships to Promote Collaborative & Immersive Learning
Place Published: New York
Short Title: ClassFlow(TM) Announces New Digital Content Partnerships to Promote Collaborative & Immersive Learning
Keywords: China
Atlanta Georgia
Students
Internet
Colleges & Universities
Collaboration
Trademarks
Science Education
Virtual Reality
Learning
Cultural Heritage
Nonprofit Organizations
University of Colorado
Education
Primary/Secondary
Technology
Software
Product/Service


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 20
Author: Adams, Ray
Year: 2009
Title: Cognitive science meets computing science: The future of cognitive systems and cognitive engineering
Pages: 1-12
Short Title: Cognitive science meets computing science: The future of cognitive systems and cognitive engineering
ISBN/ISSN: 1330-1012
DOI: 10.1109/ITI.2009.5196041
Abstract: We stand at the threshold of a dramatic and exciting new time in humanity's development. As irreplaceable physical resources inevitably dwindle, we shall increasingly come to rely much more on cognitive resources that consume less and less energy. (Here, I define cognitive resources as those resources that support and facilitate human cognition, ideally in intelligent ways). In this keynote address, I report on a programme of research conducted at my research centre and by my colleagues in their own universities. I also consider the potential development of current research trends for now and the future.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 40
Author: Al-Badi, Ali, Ali, Saqib and Al-Balushi, Taiseera
Year: 2012
Title: Ergonomics of usability/accessibility-ready websites: Tools and guidelines
Journal: Webology
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 1-30
Short Title: Ergonomics of usability/accessibility-ready websites: Tools and guidelines
Keywords: Usability
Web Site Design
Disabled People
Interfaces
Information Storage And Retrieval - Searching
Website Accessibility, Cross-Cultural Usability, Usability Guidelines
Usability Testing
Readability Formulae
User Interface Design
Local Culture
Localized Business Websites
Globalization
Article
Abstract:  The 'user-friendliness' of a website indicates to what extent it is easy for all intended users to interact with website to perform their required task(s). Given the explosive growth in the use of computerized systems as well as the World Wide Web for delivering information and services, usability/accessibility becomes an important issue. The purpose of this research is to study the available literature on usability/accessibility ready websites and their tools and guidelines. The research findings will help web engineers to build websites and web services accessible for all the target audience, including people with special needs. People with special needs meet barriers of all types, but computing technology is helping them to overcome these barriers. Accordingly, a great amount of development work has been carried out in the area of designing websites for disabled people, and it is increasingly becoming an important focus for a variety of reasons, legal (due to recent legislation in many countries promoting the rights of disabled people), economic, or ethical. Web engineers are increasingly aware that they need to ensure the usability of mainstream systems for disabled people by developing systems explicitly to meet the needs of disabled users (often referred to as assistive technologies), which also require evaluation to ensure their usability for the target audience. A descriptive/interpretive research method was used for the study of usability, accessibility, globalization, readability and culture differences based on related literatures and on previous studies by academics and industrial institutions. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 35
Author: Babu, Rakesh
Year: 2015
Title: Blind Students' Challenges in Social Media Communication: An Early Investigation of Facebook Usability for Informal Learning
Journal: International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design (IJOPCD)
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Pages: 58-73
Short Title: Blind Students' Challenges in Social Media Communication: An Early Investigation of Facebook Usability for Informal Learning
ISSN: 2155-6873
DOI: 10.4018/ijopcd.2015010105
Keywords: Blind Student
Informal Learning
Online Social Interaction
Social Media
Usability
Abstract: Social Networking Sites (SNS) are increasingly used in academia to facilitate informal learning, knowledge co-creation, and collaborative problem-solving. Deriving these pedagogic benefits requires SNS usability for all. This paper reports results of an early investigation into SNS usability for blind students. Think-aloud observations generated verbal evidence of six participants' Facebook interaction experiences. Verbal protocol analysis revealed where and how challenges arose in online social interactions. Design standards analysis identified responsible interface elements and potential remedial measures. Results show that locating Friend's profile and Timeline, reading, writing, and posting messages were significantly challenging. Participants needed additional time and effort, and occasionally sighted help, to perform these basic SNS functions that are integral parts of informal learning activities. Feasible design improvements are proposed that merit further investigation. Implications for educators, learning technologists, cognitive scientists, and usability experts are discussed.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 30
Author: Barbara, J. Williams
Year: 2000
Title: Virtual Web Wave of the Future: Integration of Healthcare Systems on the Internet
Journal: North Dakota Law Review
Volume: 76
Pages: 365-977
Short Title: Virtual Web Wave of the Future: Integration of Healthcare Systems on the Internet
ISSN: 0029-2745
Keywords: Communication
Strategically
Aggressively
Telemedicine
Transmission
Healthcenter
Technologies
Acquisitions
Introduction
Potentially
Communications Law
Computer & Internet Law
Criminal Law & Procedure
Healthcare Law
Insurance Law
Pensions & Benefits Law
Public Health & Welfare Law
Abstract: ... In comparison with banks, which spend seven percent of their annual revenues on information systems, the healthcare industry spends only one to two percent for this purpose. ... WebMD Practice also provides dictation and transcription services over the Internet for the provider to update a patient's medical record. ... These Provisions propose uniform standards for electronic exchange of health information in administrative and financial transactions, and data elements for such transactions. ... Additionally, the Provisions contain sections relating to privacy of healthcare information. ... The goal of the HIPAA mandated Department of Health and Human Services proposed regulation Provisions is to encourage increased and proper use of electronic information while at the same time protecting the needs of patients to safeguard their privacy. ... However, in addition, the proposed NAIC regulations contain provisions for disclosure of protected health information without authorization similar to the provision found in either the NAIC Health Information Privacy Model Act or the Department of Health and Human Services regulation. ... In such case, healthcare providers must draft contract language with any entity providing healthcare information systems to provide specific limitations on disclosure of identifiable health information and impose security, inspection and reporting requirements for the electronic software providers. In addition, a healthcare provider, small or large, should have in place a privacy policy appropriate to its size, information practices and its business requirements. ... &#160


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 22
Author: Basham, James D., Smith, Sean J., Hall, Tracey E. and Satter, Allyson L.
Year: 2016
Title: Universal Design for Learning
Journal: Journal of Special Education Technology
Volume: 31
Issue: 3
Pages: 147-155
Short Title: Universal Design for Learning
ISSN: 0162-6434
DOI: 10.1177/0162643416660836
Keywords: Universal Design For Learning
Instructional/Policy Perspectives
K-12 Online Learning
Accessibility
Abstract: In the process of evaluating online learning products for accessibility, researchers in the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities concluded that most often consultation guides and assessment tools were useful in determining sensory accessibility but did not extend to critical aspects of learning within the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. To help fill this void in assessment, researchers created the UDL Scan tool to examine online learning products alignment to the UDL framework. This article provides an overview of how accessibility has been historically measured and introduces the need to move beyond the traditional understanding of accessibility to a broader UDL-based lens. With this understanding, a UDL Scan tool was developed and validated to investigate the alignment of online learning content to UDL. This article will present the process of development, the validation, and discuss how the measurements provide critical benchmarks for educators and industry as they adopt new online learning systems.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 3
Author: Belingardi, Giovanni and Obradovic, Jovan
Year: 2012
Title: IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND DISTANCE LEARNING CONCEPT AT POLITECNICO DI TORINO WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE
Journal: Acta Technica Corviniensis - Bulletin of Engineering
Volume: 5
Issue: 2
Pages: 65-68
Short Title: IMPLEMENTATION OF ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND DISTANCE LEARNING CONCEPT AT POLITECNICO DI TORINO WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE
Keywords: Web Sites
Education
Teaching
Learning
Distance Learning
Communication
Abstract: New dimension and possibilities for teaching and education in all fields are offered by the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and e-learning systems. The introduction of these systems will improve, supplement and aid traditional teaching methods and will also enable the beginning of different teaching and learning processes that are less limited in space and time. This offers also new insight into subjects that are not possible with traditional methods. The Centre for e-learning activities and the multimedia production and testing (CELMI) at Politecnico di Torino, aims to be the institutional reference for the coordination of support activities in the area of technology and multimedia training. The Centre puts the particular emphasis on skills in e-learning and open and distance learning and on the activities related to the release and testing of multimedia technologies. This paper is presenting the use of high technology communication systems at Politecnico di Torino, implemented with the purpose of improved university education. Also, the multidisciplinary working systems, communication models, multimedia and video production, videoconferencing systems and special services for disabled, are briefly described. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 39
Author: Billi, Marco, Burzagli, Laura, Catarci, Tiziana, Santucci, Giuseppe, Bertini, Enrico, Gabbanini, Francesco and Palchetti, Enrico
Year: 2010
Title: A unified methodology for the evaluation of accessibility and usability of mobile applications
Journal: International Journal
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Pages: 337-356
Short Title: A unified methodology for the evaluation of accessibility and usability of mobile applications
ISSN: 1615-5289
DOI: 10.1007/s10209-009-0180-1
Keywords: Accessibility
Usability
Mobile computing
Abstract: This article reports a unified methodology developed to evaluate the accessibility and usability of mobile computing applications, which is intended to guarantee universal access as far as possible. As a basis for the methodology, this paper presents an analysis of the accessibility guidelines, conducted to take into account the specificity of mobile systems, as well as a set of usability heuristics, specifically devised for mobile computing. Finally, it presents the results of the application of the proposed methodology to applications that have been semi-automatically developed by the MAIS Designer, a new design tool that provides applications suited to different mobile devices.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 17
Author: Bissonnette, Leo
Year: 2006
Title: Teaching and learning at Concordia University: Meeting the evolving education needs of faculty in providing access for university students with disabilities
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Teaching and learning at Concordia University: Meeting the evolving education needs of faculty in providing access for university students with disabilities
Keywords: Higher Education
Educational Software
Education
Access
Concordia University
Disabilities
Education Needs
Faculty
Learning
Quebec
Teaching
University Students
Abstract: Computing and communications technologies are becoming increasingly central to the way faculty at universities carry out their educational mission. Little is known about how faculty are taking into account the needs of their students with disabilities when integrating technology into their courses. A survey (Fichten, Asuncion, Barile, Fossey & DeSimone, 2000) of a small number of faculty found that professors generally do not know what to do to ensure that students with disabilities have full access to electronic course material or how access problems can be solved. The sample for this exploratory study consisted of 344 full-time and part-time Concordia University faculty, identified as having students with disabilities enrolled in their courses during the 2003-2004 academic year. Two intricately related components composed this study: a faculty survey (with a return rate of 34.3%), and follow-up semi-structured interviews with 30 faculty. The present study further explored training over internet, listservs, e-mail, or CD-ROM that can be provided in various self-paced formats. Findings of interest included: 81 out of 101 respondents (80.2%) reported that they had not considered the needs of these students, while 12 respondents (11.8%) indicated that they had partially taken into account the needs of their students with disabilities. A small group of 8 faculty (7.9%) definitely took into account the needs of their students with disabilities. However, the present study also revealed that there is a willingness by faculty to be trained in this area. When questioned about their preferred medium for interactive training, most respondents chose more than one. The most popular category chosen by 98 out of 114 respondents was a website (85.0%) followed by printed material selected by 94 respondents (82.2%) and CD-Rom chosen by 93 instructors (81.6%). 91 respondents (79.8%) indicated a combination of the three mentioned above. For those who chose other and gave examples, a common specification by them was a trainer. Practical strategic implications for those involved in providing support to faculty adopting educational technology are outlined and discussed. Recommendations for future research are provided.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 4
Author: Braddock, David, Rizzolo, Mary, Thompson, Micah and Bell, Rodney
Year: 2004
Title: Emerging Technologies and Cognitive Disability
Journal: Journal of Special Education Technology
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Pages: 49-56
Short Title: Emerging Technologies and Cognitive Disability
ISSN: 01626434
DOI: 10.1177/016264340401900406
Keywords: Developmental Disabilities
Technological Change
Handicapped Accessibility
Computer Assisted Instruction-Cai
Abstract: Braddock et al observe that despite the potential of emerging technologies to assist persons with cognitive disabilities, significant practical impediments remain to be overcome in commercialization, consumer abandonment, and in the design and development of useful products. They suggest, among other things, that innovative engineering approaches and effective needs analysis are essential to ensure that technically feasible products meet the real needs of persons with cognitive disabilities.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 38
Author: Carrie L, Kiedrowski
Year: 2001
Title: The Applicability of the Ada to Private Internet Web Sites
Journal: Cleveland State Law Review
Volume: 49
Pages: 719-749
Short Title: The Applicability of the Ada to Private Internet Web Sites
ISSN: 0009-8876
Keywords: Progressively
Disabilities
Degenerative
Introduction
Effectively
Recognition
Temporarily
Fingertips
Efficiency
Colleagues
Civil Rights Law
Computer & Internet Law
Governments
Labor & Employment Law
Public Health & Welfare Law
Real Property Law
Torts
Abstract: ... "For many of the one out of five people in the United States who are disabled ... the ... Internet can be more akin to crawling." ... In a world where presentation and vanity are everything, who should be required to change -- the Internet site or the person using it? According to Adam Weinroth, a web developer who won first place in a contest for having an accessible web site, "When the issue of accessibility comes up, that's not the No. 1 priority. ... Despite the lack of case law directly on point, recent federal technology regulations mandating accessible government web sites suggest that the law is moving towards characterizing web sites as places of public accommodation. ... Specifically, Title III of the ADA prohibits operators of places of public accommodation from discriminating against a person based on a disability in the "full and equal enjoyment of goods and services." ... The NFB's complaint stated that the Internet is a place of public accommodation, and therefore, AOL must make its site and services accessible to people with disabilities. ... held that the "plain language of Title III covers [the plaintiff's] claim because its scope is not limited to the mere denial of physical access to places of public accommodation." ... &#160


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 42
Author: Chittaro, Luca, Carchietti, Elio, De Marco, Luca and Zampa, Agostino
Year: 2011
Title: Personalized emergency medical assistance for disabled people
Journal: User Modeling and User - Adapted Interaction
Volume: 21
Issue: 4-5
Pages: 407-440
Short Title: Personalized emergency medical assistance for disabled people
ISSN: 09241868
DOI: 10.1007/s11257-010-9092-2
Keywords: Studies
Emergency Medical Care
Disabled People
Decision Support Systems
Health Care Industry
Experimental/Theoretical
Software & Systems
Abstract:  Issue Title: Special Issue on Personalization for e-Health: In memory of Fiorella de Rosis and Alison Cawsey Being able to promptly and accurately choose a proper course of action in the field is a crucial aspect of emergency response. For this reason, emergency medical services (EMS) rely on well established procedures that apply to the most frequent cases first responders encounter in their practice, but do not include special cases concerning (sensory, motor or cognitive) disabled persons. In these cases, first responders may end up applying suboptimal or possibly wrong procedures or lose precious time trying to adapt on-the-fly to the special case. This paper proposes both (i) a detailed patient model for EMS that can account for peculiar aspects of the many existing disabilities and (ii) an adaptive information system called PRESYDIUM (Personalized Emergency System for Disabled Humans) that provides tailored instructions in the field for helping medical first responders in dealing with disabled persons. More precisely, we will illustrate and discuss: (i) the design and development process of PRESYDIUM, (ii) the patient model, which is partly based on the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) standard proposed by the World Health Organization, (iii) the knowledge base used by the system to provide tailored instructions to medical first responders, (iv) the Web-based architecture of the system, (v) the different interfaces--including one for mobile devices--the system provides to enable all the identified stakeholders (disabled persons, their families, clinicians, EMS call center operators, medical first responders) to easily access and possibly provide data to the system, (vi) the evaluation of the validity of the patient model and of the system usability which has been conducted with end users.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 10
Author: Deora, Bharat and Sarangdevot, Prof
Year: 2011
Title: E-Learning Standards and their Necessity
Journal: International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science
Volume: 2
Issue: 5
Short Title: E-Learning Standards and their Necessity
Abstract:  The advancement of ICT gives new directions to e-learning and the world has started to understand that e-learning is important because it can make a significant difference: to how quickly one can learn a skill
to the ease with which one can study
and to the degree to which learning can be made enjoyable. E-learning has the power to bring quality and accessible learning to everyone so that every learner can achieve goals of the study. The present world is surrounded by e-learning at home, at work and, at the college. It also contributes to the objective of education by raising standards, improving quality of education, removing barriers to learning, preparing for employment, up skilfulness in the workplace and, ensuring that all learners achieve their target. The benefits of e-learning are increasing year by year. E-learning is achieving their goals due to acceptance of accredited e-learning standards. The main organizations working for e-learning standards include AICC, IEEE, IMS and ADL. This article gives an overview of various e-learning standards available & future possibilities and their necessity for creating a uniform learning platform.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 5
Author: Encarnacao, J. L., Loseries, F. and Sifaqui, C.
Year: 1998
Title: Human media technology-the human-centered, sustainable technology development
Pages: 132-140
Short Title: Human media technology-the human-centered, sustainable technology development
DOI: 10.1109/CGI.1998.694261
Abstract: The development of the Internet, the Web, and Java let us believe that computing technology seems to become an integral part of our daily environment that hopefully supports us in improving the quality of life. But what does this mean to the future of information technology development? This paper presents visions towards sustainable, human-centered technology developments. New trends in human computer interaction and human information interaction are necessary for enabling even the naive user to communicate and interact with computers. What we need is a paradigm shift from the conventional information technology towards a human media technology which focus on the interaction manner between human beings and information space or amongst human beings through information space.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 14
Author: Epelde, Gorka, Valencia, Xabier, Carrasco, Eduardo, Posada, Jorge, Abascal, Julio, Diaz-Orueta, Unai, Zinnikus, Ingo and Husodo-Schulz, Christian
Year: 2013
Title: Providing universally accessible interactive services through TV sets: implementation and validation with elderly users
Journal: An International Journal
Volume: 67
Issue: 2
Pages: 497-528
Short Title: Providing universally accessible interactive services through TV sets: implementation and validation with elderly users
ISSN: 1380-7501
DOI: 10.1007/s11042-011-0949-0
Keywords: Inclusive TV
Universal remote console
Multimodal interaction
Interactive TV
Interactive services
Universal access
Elderly users
Abstract: One of the challenges that Ambient Intelligence (AmI) faces is the provision of a usable interaction concept to its users, especially for those with a weak technical background. In this paper, we describe a new approach to integrate interactive services provided by an AmI environment with the television set, which is one of the most widely used interaction client in the home environment. The approach supports the integration of different TV set configurations, guaranteeing the possibility to develop universally accessible solutions. An implementation of this approach has been carried out as a multimodal/multi-purpose natural human computer interface for elderly people, by creating adapted graphical user interfaces and navigation menus together with multimodal interaction (simplified TV remote control and voice interaction). In addition, this user interface can also be suited to other user groups. We have tested a prototype that adapts the videoconference and the information service with a group of 83 users. The results from the user tests show that the group found the prototype to be both satisfactory and efficient to use.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 37
Author: Feng, Xin
Year: 2007
Title: Upper-extremity performance assessment using an interactive, personalized computer-assisted neurorehabilitation motivating framework
Secondary Author: Winters, Jack M.
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Upper-extremity performance assessment using an interactive, personalized computer-assisted neurorehabilitation motivating framework
Keywords: Rehabilitation
Therapy
Biomedical Research
Health and Environmental Sciences
Applied Sciences
Neurorehabilitation
Stroke
Upper Extremity
Abstract: The disability and aging populations have been increasing during the last decade. In the United States, stroke affects about 5.6 million individuals today
the aging population has grown to about one in every eight Americans. Economic pressure has gradually shifted the burden of rehabilitation to outpatient and home healthcare with limited supervision, creating a need for alternative approaches to neurorehabilitation. These approaches should be cost-effective and accessible for the home environment, while also semi-autonomously providing timely assessment and a greater amount of therapy. In response to this challenge, a computer-assisted motivational neurorehabilitation framework, coined "UniTherapy", has been designed and implemented. It uniquely integrates three core technologies: (i) support for a suite of standard-compliant computer input devices, including force-reflecting joysticks and driving wheels as physical therapeutic interfaces, (ii) support for a suite of personalizable and remotely tunable goal-directed performance assessment and motivational interventional exercise protocols, including features like data archive, management, and analysis tools, and (iii) support for providing personalized user interfaces that are tuned to the abilities and preferences of the user while also supporting emerging user interface and remote access standards. The potential of the framework was evaluated via a suite of collaborative pilot studies. By using the selected goal-directed tasks and kinematic metrics, it was shown that the framework had the capability to differentiate between human subjects with various level of stroke-induced impairment and performance differences under different task settings (e.g. device type, force field settings). Usability data from study subjects, as well as from a focus group consisting of rehabilitation practitioners, suggested that the potential of the framework as a cost-effective, sensor-based assessment tool and a home-based motivational therapy platform. A second study evaluated the movement features of subjects with stroke-induced impairment in the trajectory tracking tasks under different force and tracking speed settings using the UniTherapy platform. Nonlinear effects for the selected kinematic measures confirm the necessity to customize the parameters of the training protocol for each individual client. The force from the conventional joystick is enough to influence the performance of accuracy and stability across subjects. The results also suggest that the selected kinematic metrics can be sensitive clinical measures, yet quick to administer in a simple setup. In summary, a computer-assisted motivational neurorehabilitation framework has been designed and implemented. The results of the evaluation studies had shown its potential as a sensitive upper-extremity assessment tool and a home-based motivating therapy platform. The results from the goal-directed task under various task settings, suggest the necessity to personalize the parameters of the training protocol for each client.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 8
Author: Forczek, Erzsébet, Makra, Péter, Lanyi, Cecilia and Bari, Ferenc
Year: 2015
Title: The Internet as a New Tool in the Rehabilitation Process of Patients-Education in Focus
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Pages: 2373-2391
Short Title: The Internet as a New Tool in the Rehabilitation Process of Patients-Education in Focus
ISSN: 1661-7827
Keywords: Information Management
Medical Databases
Health Informatics
Internet
Abstract:  In the article we deal with the rehabilitation of patients using information technology, especially Internet support. We concentrate on two main areas in the IT support of rehabilitation: one of them is the support for individual therapy, the other one is providing patients with information, which is the basic step in emphasising individual responsibility. In the development of rehabilitation programmes, the knowledge of the IT professional and the therapist, in the IT support of web guidance, medical expertise plays the primary role. The degree of assistance involved in the rehabilitation process depends on the IT knowledge of medical (general practitioner, nursing staff) professionals as well. The necessary knowledge required in healing and development processes is imparted to professionals by a special (full-time) university training. It was a huge challenge for us to teach web-based information organisation skills to doctors and nurses, and it is also a complex task to put forward such an IT viewpoint to information specialists in order to create the foundations of the cooperation between IT and healthcare professionals.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 46
Author: Freina, L., Bottino, R. and Tavella, M.
Year: 2016
Title: From e-learning to VR-learning: An example of learning in an immersive virtual world
Journal: Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Pages: 101-113
Short Title: From e-learning to VR-learning: An example of learning in an immersive virtual world
ISSN: 18266223
Keywords: Immersive Virtual Reality
Intellectual Disabilities
Spatial Perspective Taking
Spatial Reasoning
Urban Mobility


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 41
Author: Goncalves, Marcos
Year: 2004
Title: Streams, structures, spaces, scenarios, and societies (5S): A formal digital library framework and its applications
Secondary Author: Fox, Edward A.
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Streams, structures, spaces, scenarios, and societies (5S): A formal digital library framework and its applications
Keywords: Computer Science
Information Systems
Communication and the Arts
Applied Sciences
Digital Library
Streams, Structures, Spaces, Scenarios, and Societies
Abstract: Digital libraries (DLs) are complex information systems and therefore demand formal foundations lest development efforts diverge and interoperability suffers. In this dissertation, we propose the fundamental abstractions of Streams, Structures, Spaces, Scenarios, and Societies (5S), which allow us to define digital libraries rigorously and usefully. Streams are sequences of arbitrary items used to describe both static and dynamic (e.g., video) content. Structures can be viewed as labeled directed graphs, which impose organization. Spaces are sets with operations that obey certain constraints. Scenarios consist of sequences of events or actions that modify states of a computation in order to accomplish a functional requirement. Societies are sets of entities and activities, and the relationships among them. Together these abstractions provide a formal foundation to define, relate, and unify concepts-among others, of digital objects, metadata, collections, and services-required to formalize and elucidate "digital libraries". A digital library theory based on 5S is defined by proposing a formal ontology that defines the fundamental concepts, relationships, and axiomatic rules that govern the DL domain. The ontology is an axiomatic, formal treatment of DLs, which distinguishes it from other approaches that informally define a number of architectural invariants. The applicability, versatility, and unifying power of the 5S theory are demonstrated through its use in a number of distinct applications including: (1) building and interpreting a DL taxonomy
(2) informal and formal analysis of case studies of digital libraries (NDLTD and OAI)
(3) utilization as a formal basis for a DL description language, digital library visualization and generation tools, and a log format specific for DLs
and (4) defining a quality model for DLs.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 6
Author: González Calleros, Juan, Guerrero García, Josefina and Vanderdonckt, Jean
Year: 2013
Title: Advance human-machine interface automatic evaluation
Journal: Universal Access in the Information Society
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Pages: 387-401
Short Title: Advance human-machine interface automatic evaluation
ISSN: 16155289
DOI: 10.1007/s10209-013-0310-7
Keywords: User Interface
Users
Access Control
Abstract:  Issue Title: Special issue: Accessibility aspects in UIDLs The need for accessibility evaluation tools is motivated by several endogenous and exogenous reasons coming from the end user (the designer and the developer) and companies releasing information systems. Existing evaluation tools mainly concentrate on examining the code of Web pages: Web pages more and more frequently contain non-HTML parts that entirely escape from being treated by existing techniques. This is the case of the advanced human-machine interface (AHMI), a piece of software programmed in C/C++, used for controlling the advanced flight management system in the aircraft cockpit. Studying this new user interface (UI) requires a structured approach to evaluate and validate AHMI designs. The goal in this work is to develop an evaluation tool to automate the process of evaluating the AHMI. The method addresses: support of multiple bases of guidelines (accessibility or usability or both) on-demand (partial or total evaluation), with different levels of details (a presentation for developers and for those responsible for certifying accessibility). The method goes a step toward the automatic evaluation of UI containing non-HTML parts.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 47
Author: Jansari, Ashok, Agnew, Robert, Akesson, Katarina and Murphy, Lesley
Year: 2004
Title: The Use of Virtual Reality to Assess and Predict Real-world Executive Dysfunction: Can VR Help for Work-placement Rehabilitation?
Journal: Brain Impairment
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
Pages: 110
Short Title: The Use of Virtual Reality to Assess and Predict Real-world Executive Dysfunction: Can VR Help for Work-placement Rehabilitation?
ISSN: 1443-9646
Keywords: Virtual reality
People with mental disabilities--Employment


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 24
Author: Kobsa, Alfred, Koenemann, Jrgen and Pohl, Wolfgang
Year: 2001
Title: Personalised hypermedia presentation techniques for improving online customer relationships
Journal: Knowl. Eng. Rev.
Volume: 16
Issue: 2
Pages: 111-155
Short Title: Personalised hypermedia presentation techniques for improving online customer relationships
ISSN: 0269-8889
DOI: 10.1017/S0269888901000108
Keywords: Hypermedia
Mathematical Models
Computer Simulation
Adaptation
World Wide Web
On-Line Systems
Knowledge Engineering
Education
Presses
Management
Adaptive Systems
Online
Documents
Management and Marketing (CE)
Management and Marketing (Mt)
Management of Computing and Information Systems (Ci)
Article
Abstract: This article gives a comprehensive overview of techniques for personalised hypermedia presentation. It describes the data about the computer user, the computer usage and the physical environment that can be taken into account when adapting hypermedia pages to the needs of the current user. Methods for acquiring these data, for representing them as models in formal systems and for making generalisations and predictions about the user based thereon are discussed. Different types of hypermedia adaptation to the individual users needs are distinguished and recommendations for further research and applications given. While the focus of the article is on hypermedia adaptation for improving customer relationship management utilising the World Wide Web, many of the techniques and distinctions also apply to other types of personalised hypermedia applications within and outside the World Wide Web, like adaptive educational systems.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 12
Author: Kruse, Markus
Year: 1998
Title: Museums, galleries, art sites, virtual curating and the World Wide Web
Secondary Author: Arnold, Robert
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Museums, galleries, art sites, virtual curating and the World Wide Web
Keywords: Art Education
Mass Media
Fine Arts
Information Systems
Computer Science
Communication and the Arts
Education
Applied Sciences
Interactive Technologies
Abstract: Since the explosion of the World Wide Web (WWW) in the mid 1990's commercial, non-commercial galleries and individual artists have embraced this medium more readily than museums. Museums have been slow in accepting this medium for presenting online exhibitions, visual communication and marketing because of their lack of understanding, financial resources and Intellectual Property issues. Individual artists on the other hand have propelled this medium to higher levels by creating virtual art galleries, individual artist sites, artist collectives and WWW specific works of art. A historical analysis of the creation of the Internet and WWW precedes an introduction of how museums, art galleries and artists have approached this new medium to present visual arts information. This is followed by an analysis that discusses issues of virtual curating and their relationship to the traditional museum, gallery and art object. Legal hurdles such as Intellectual Property laws and limitations to publishing on the WWW are explored. Curatorial issues are found to be important when presenting an exhibition in the traditional as well as virtual environment. The lack of acceptance of the WWW exhibition environment by the traditional arts establishment has dampened the possibilities this medium offers to further advance the visual arts via this medium. The future will require reinterpretation of the visual arts via this medium as a new form of aesthetic communication. The study concludes that the successful departure from mimicking the traditional print media through interactive elements will lead us to establish a global form of the visual arts that is not controlled by a few members of the traditional arts establishment. The artist, gallery and museum will push the current technological and aesthetic standards, interpretations and rules in order to take advantage of the WWW. Today's local and national laws will need to be reinterpreted on a global level to further internationalize the arts. Due to the early stage of development of the arts via the WWW curatorial standards should remain flexible to accommodate future WWW developments.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 45
Author: Luengo-Filgueiras, Montserrat
Year: 2001
Title: Minority -oriented text -based community life on the Internet: A case study on the role of computer networking in fostering the welfare of young adults with visual disabilities in the early years of Web development
Secondary Author: Perrolle, Judith A.
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Minority -oriented text -based community life on the Internet: A case study on the role of computer networking in fostering the welfare of young adults with visual disabilities in the early years of Web development
Keywords: Welfare
Sociology
Social Sciences
Community Life
Computer Networking
Internet
Minority-Oriented
Text-Based
Visual Disabilities
Web Development
Young Adults
Abstract: This study makes use of a popular text-based forum on the Internet, that of discussion mailing lists, and presents a framework of virtual life aimed at identifying and analyzing the online experiences of young disabled networkers. Building on the social network approach inspired by Mark Granovetter's work on the significant role of "weak ties" on successful job searches, I make use of the electronic archives of an online disability-oriented group over a period of thirty-six months to examine whether and how the career and labor market outcomes of young visually impaired adults who are in the process of finishing their mainstreamed postsecondary education and striving to make a successful school-to-work transition are affected by being weakly electronically tied to others in the same circumstances. I argue that the growing political support and legal enforcement of inclusive learning policies over recent years may have contributed to increase the isolation of disabled youth from community referents, and therefore decrease their social resource networks and coping capabilities for dealing with society's negative reactions to disability, and for developing successful learning and job-search strategies. Findings show that information and communications technologies help counteract such an undesirable effect of mainstreaming by expanding the means and opportunities for contact, and facilitating a mutual accommodation process to mainstream life among disabled peers, who thereby have access to news and social resources, especially information and social support, beyond those available in their predominantly non-disabled real-life social networks. The results suggest that measures that increase access to information and communication technologies among this population subgroup will have positive effects on their social and economic prospects. This should be of interest to various research and policy communities, including school administrators, policymakers responsible for promoting the welfare of people with disabilities, and website developers with a concern for user-friendly web design for all users.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 23
Author: Martins, Paulo, Rodrigues, Henrique, Rocha, Tânia, Francisco, Manuela and Morgado, Leonel
Year: 2015
Title: Accessible Options for Deaf People in e-Learning Platforms: Technology Solutions for Sign Language Translation
Journal: Procedia Computer Science
Volume: 67
Pages: 263-272
Short Title: Accessible Options for Deaf People in e-Learning Platforms: Technology Solutions for Sign Language Translation
ISSN: 1877-0509
DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2015.09.270
Keywords: Inclusion
E-Learning
Sign Language
Deaf People
Assistive Technologies.
Abstract: This paper presents a study on potential technology solutions for enhancing the communication process for deaf people on e-learning platforms through translation of Sign Language (SL). Considering SL in its global scope as a spatial-visual language not limited to gestures or hand/forearm movement, but also to other non-dexterity markers such as facial expressions, it is necessary to ascertain whether the existing technology solutions can be effective options for the SL integration on e-learning platforms. Thus, we aim to present a list of potential technology options for the recognition, translation and presentation of SL (and potential problems) through the analysis of assistive technologies, methods and techniques, and ultimately to contribute for the development of the state of the art and ensure digital inclusion of the deaf people in e-learning platforms. The analysis show that some interesting technology solutions are under research and development to be available for digital platforms in general, but yet some critical challenges must solved and an effective integration of these technologies in e-learning platforms in particular is still missing.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 18
Author: Masuwa-Morgan, K. R. and Burrell, P.
Year: 2004
Title: Justification of the need for an ontology for accessibility requirements (Theoretic framework)
Journal: Interacting with Computers
Volume: 16
Issue: 3
Pages: 523-555
Short Title: Justification of the need for an ontology for accessibility requirements (Theoretic framework)
ISSN: 0953-5438
DOI: 10.1016/j.intcom.2004.04.001
Keywords: Accessibility
Requirements Specification
Ontology
Methodology
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to make a case generally for an ontology for accessibility requirements specification. Requirements specification is generally intended to provide clear, testable descriptions of what a system should do. What an ontology would do is to act like a requirements bank that provides methodology independent accessibility requirements that could then be used to extrapolate, on demand, conceptual models for a variety of implementations driven by a variety of methodologies. The effect of this would be to minimise requirements specification, ensure declarativity, standardisation, interoperability and reusability, whilst at the same time lending greater migratability from specification to design. There has been much worldwide action in developing guidelines, tools and methods in an attempt to ensure that technologies and information systems are accessible. There is, however, a growing need to partner these initiatives more closely with software engineering traditions. An ontology for accessibility requirements would provide formal semantic specifications beyond the syntactic provisions rendered by commonly used formal specification languages.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 43
Author: Mathis, Regina
Year: 2014
Title: Web Ontology Language Ontology for Scalable Vector Graphics
Secondary Author: Laszlo, Michael J., Hafner, William and Levy, Yair
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Web Ontology Language Ontology for Scalable Vector Graphics
Keywords: Computer Science
Applied Sciences
Ontology
Owl
Svg
Uml
Vector Graphics
Abstract: Using the World Wide Web of today, searching for a graphic pertaining to a particular subject domain or in response to a specific query is a difficult task. A typical search for a graphic related to a specific subject matter or query may yield hundreds or thousands of Web resources, few of which relate to the intended meaning. The primary goal of the completed dissertation is to develop and assess the feasibility of using a global ontology for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) written in the Semantic Web markup language Web Ontology Language (OWL). SVG is an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) based technology used to describe two-dimensional graphics. SVG has the ability to fully scale images without loss of resolution, provide file sizes that are independent of resolution, represent text as text strings allowing the graphic to be fully searched for content, and support a rich set of geometrical primitives. An SVG OWL ontology provides three benefits. First, the ontology enables powerful semantic search engines to quickly and efficiently pinpoint SVG graphics and relate these graphics to specific knowledge domains. Second, the ontology enables semantic search engines to understand the content of a SVG graphic and infer relationships between the content of the graphic and specific domains. Lastly, enabling SVG graphics to be annotated in varying levels of abstraction allows the graphic to be reused in other contexts. The research methods included developing the framework for the model, identifying the entities to be used in the ontology, representing the conceptual elements using Unified Modeling Language (UML), converting the UML to OWL, evaluating the ontology to ensure that it meets the requirements initially presented, developing a working system based on the ontology and testing this system, and documenting the development process. Regarding experimental results, a total of 69 queries were applied to a set of 500 images representing a range of both primitive and derived spatial properties. Both recall and precision were perfect, indicating the feasibility of effective ontology-based search for annotated vector graphics through this approach. The question of scalability to more complex and realistic settings remains for future research.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 44
Author: Muller, Anita
Year: 2001
Title: Cartographic iconography and the Internet: A study of the use of colour in icon design
Secondary Author: Taylor, D. R. Fraser
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Cartographic iconography and the Internet: A study of the use of colour in icon design
Keywords: Geography
Design
Interior Design
Information Systems
Computer Science
Communication and the Arts
Social Sciences
Applied Sciences
Abstract: Rapid development of the World Wide Web has facilitated response to the demand for geospatial information. As a result, a number of cartographic products and tools are becoming available through the Internet. These are becoming increasingly complex in terms of both their information content and representation, but the accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness of these products strongly rely on graphical user interfaces (GUI). The research presented in this thesis deals with cartographic iconography for Web-based cartographic products. Based on cartographic and graphic design theories, the study identifies important issues associated with a particular aspect of interfaces, that is the design of icons, and concentrates specifically on the use of colour in an Internet environment. The main objective of the research is to develop guidelines and make recommendations for the use of colour in design and standardization of icons used in Web based cartography, while presenting theoretical reasoning, applications, and graphical examples.* *This dissertation includes a CD that is compound (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following applications: Microsoft Office
Internet browser.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 29
Author: Murphy, Emma, Kuber, Ravi, McAllister, Graham, Strain, Philip and Yu, Wai
Year: 2008
Title: An empirical investigation into the difficulties experienced by visually impaired Internet users
Journal: International Journal
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Pages: 79-91
Short Title: An empirical investigation into the difficulties experienced by visually impaired Internet users
ISSN: 1615-5289
DOI: 10.1007/s10209-007-0098-4
Keywords: Accessibility barriers
Assistive technology
Internet
Multimodality
Visually impaired
Abstract: In this paper, an empirical based study is described which has been conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the visually impaired community when accessing the Web. The study, involving 30 blind and partially sighted computer users, has identified navigation strategies, perceptions of page layout and graphics using assistive devices such as screen readers. Analysis of the data has revealed that current assistive technologies impose navigational constraints and provide limited information on web page layout. Conveying additional spatial information could enhance the exploration process for visually impaired Internet users. It could also assist the process of collaboration between blind and sighted users when performing web-based tasks. The findings from the survey have informed the development of a non-visual interface, which uses the benefits of multimodal technologies to present spatial and navigational cues to the user.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 31
Author: Polański, Paul Przemysław
Year: 2017
Title: Cyberspace: A new branch of international customary law?
Journal: Computer Law & Security Review: The International Journal of Technology Law and Practice
Volume: 33
Issue: 3
Pages: 371-381
Short Title: Cyberspace: A new branch of international customary law?
ISSN: 0267-3649
DOI: 10.1016/j.clsr.2017.03.007
Keywords: Cyberspace Law
International Customary Law
Opinio Juris
Evidence of Custom
Spam
Security
Privacy
Harmful Speech
Accessibility
Abstract: International relations between countries increasingly take place in cyberspace. From concerns about cyber security and Internet surveillance to privacy to harmful speech - state and non-state actors developed practices and normative conceptions that could be regarded as international customary law in statu nascendi. The aim of this contribution is to present arguments supporting the thesis that research concerning international law should be broadened to include cyberspace. Due to lack of treaty law in this area, one shall resort to a second source of international law, namely custom especially, as one eminent researcher has noted: 'there are still numerous branches of international law regulated by customary law, and still more important, new rules of that law are raising'. The article presents the theory of custom as a source of international law and methods of evidencing it in the context of cyberspace and then outlines areas where such norms could have developed and therefore could be used to settle disputes between states.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 34
Author: Power, Christopher
Year: 2006
Title: Multi-modal exploration
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Multi-modal exploration
Keywords: Computer Science
Applied Sciences
Multimodal Documents
Refreshing Pin Displays
Target Detection
Visually Impaired
Abstract: We investigate the problem of providing accessible documents to visually impaired people through electronic mediation. In particular, we focus on the presentation of multi-modal documents through refreshing pin displays. First, we examine the influence that refreshing pin display technology can have on the format of tactile picture. Inaccuracies in the reporting of finger positions from electronic tactile displays can result in errors in the audio presentation of multi-modal applications. We conduct an experiment to examine the accuracy of one such device. Given the results of this experiment, we present a collection of recommendations for the spacing of objects within a tactile scene. Following this, we describe an algorithm for the detection of targets which will be encountered by a visually impaired user while exploring a two dimensional diagram on a refreshing tactile display. A user test examining the success of this algorithm during a targeted search task is described. We discuss the implications of this work on interface design for the visually impaired, including the planned inclusion of this algorithm in a multi-modal document browser. Finally, we propose an architecture for multi-modal document presentation. This architecture, and a prototype application based on it, provide a framework for future in inclusion of these results in the presentation of documents to visually impaired people. Keywords: Visually Impaired, Blind, Multi-modal, Exploration, Translation, Voronoi Diagram


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 25
Author: Power, Christopher and Jürgensen, Helmut
Year: 2010
Title: Accessible presentation of information for people with visual disabilities
Journal: International Journal
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 97-119
Short Title: Accessible presentation of information for people with visual disabilities
ISSN: 1615-5289
DOI: 10.1007/s10209-009-0164-1
Abstract: Personal computers, palm top computers, media players and cell phones provide instant access to information from around the world. There are a wide variety of options available to make that information available to people with visual disabilities, so many that choosing one for use in any given context can often feel daunting to someone new to the field of accessibility. This paper reviews tools and techniques for the presentation of textual, graphic, mathematic and web documents through audio and haptic modalities to people with visual disabilities.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 7
Author: Rada, Roy, Cargill, Carl and Klensin, John
Year: 1998
Title: Consensus and the Web
Journal: Communications of the ACM
Volume: 41
Issue: 7
Pages: 17-22
Short Title: Consensus and the Web
ISSN: 0001-0782
DOI: 10.1145/278476.278481
Keywords: Engineering
Computer Science
Mathematics


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 19
Author: Sik Lányi, C., Mátrai, R., Molnár, G. and Lányi, Z.
Year: 2005
Title: User interface design for visually impaired children
Journal: e&i Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik
Volume: 122
Issue: 12
Pages: 488-494
Short Title: User interface design for visually impaired children
ISSN: 0932-383X
DOI: 10.1007/BF03054386
Keywords: visually impaired
multimedia
user interface
ICT
Abstract: The paper first summarizes questions related to partial sightedness, followed by the description of programs written in Macromedia Director 8.5. Three game programs are described that can be used to develop the sight of visually impaired children. The main part of the paper describes a program, which was developed in the framework of ICT, where teachers can upload their materials to the server in a suitable form for normal vision and students can use them according to their special needs. Thus, each student can change the size of the letters, the colour of the letters and of the background, etc. This is a good help for visually impaired children to increase their communication and learning possibilities. Die Arbeit fasst zuerst Fragen der Sehbehinderungen zusammen, dann werden Programme beschrieben, die mit Macromedia Director 8.5 erstellt wurden. Zuerst behandein die Autoren drei Programme, die von sehbehinderten Kindern als Spiele aufgefasst werden, aber ihre Sehleistung fördern. Der Hauptteil der Arbeit befasst sich mit einem Programm, das gemäß der Erwartungen von ICT aufgebaut wurde, bei dem der Lehrer sein Unterrichtsmaterial als Normalsichtiger auf den Server aufspielen kann und die Kinder es ihrer Sehbehinderungen entsprechend lesen können. So können sie die Größe der Buchstaben, die Farbe der Buchstaben und des Hintergrundes usw. individuell einstellen. Das ist eine gute Hilfe für sehbehinderte Kinder, um ihre Kommunikations- und Lernmöglichkeiten zu fördern.


Reference Type:  Book
Record Number: 15
Author: Stephanidis, Constantine
Year: 2009
Title: The Universal Access Handbook
Short Title: The Universal Access Handbook
Keywords: Nontechnological Issues
Software Architecture
Software Requirements
Universal Access
User Interfaces
Abstract: <P>In recent years, the field of Universal Access has made significant progress in consolidating theoretical approaches, scientific methods and technologies, as well as in exploring new application domains. Increasingly, professionals in this rapidly maturing area require a comprehensive and multidisciplinary resource that addresses current principles, methods, and tools. Written by leading international authorities from academic, research, and industrial organizations and nonmarket institutions, <STRONG>The Universal Access Handbook</STRONG> covers the unfolding scientific, methodological, technological, and policy issues involved in the process of achieving universal access in the information society.</P> <P></P> <P>In a collection of 61 chapters, the book discusses how to systematically apply universal design principles to information technologies. It explains the various dimensions of diversity in the technological platforms and contexts of use, including trends in mobile interaction and ambient intelligence environments. The implications of Universal Access on the development life cycle of interactive applications and services are unfolded, addressing user interface architectures and related components. Novel interaction methods and techniques for Universal Access are analyzed, and a variety of applications in diverse domains are discussed.</P> <P></P> <P>The book reflects recent developments, consolidates present knowledge, and points towards new perspectives for the future. A quick glance through the contents demonstrates not only the breadth and depth of coverage but also the caliber of the contributions. An indispensible source of information for interdisciplinary and cross-thematic study, the book provides a baseline for further in-depth studies, as well as an important educational tool in an increasingly globalized research and development environment.</P>


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 21
Author: Tang, Jenn
Year: 2015
Title: IT-based touch panel cognition and development for the visually impaired: an experimental study in Taiwan
Journal: Cognition, Technology & Work
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Pages: 547-557
Short Title: IT-based touch panel cognition and development for the visually impaired: an experimental study in Taiwan
ISSN: 1435-5558
DOI: 10.1007/s10111-015-0336-0
Keywords: IT-based
Touch panel
Cognition
Visual impairment
Abstract: In order to understand the cognition of Taiwanese visually impaired people who use an IT-based touch panel, a prototype named the Chinese Braille Simulator is developed. This prototype uses braille simulation software, speech synthesis and a touch panel to allow people with impaired vision to send and receive short messages. The TAM and content analysis are used, and our findings show that visually impaired people find the IT-based touch panel both interesting and useful. We conclude that current technology developers should focus on a braille interface in IT-based touch panels for the visually impaired. Short-, mid- and long-term recommendations for practitioners are also made.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 26
Author: Vytlacil, Kerrie
Year: 2013
Title: Beyond minimum technology requirements: Course characteristics for the instructional design of virtual programs at the elementary grade levels
Secondary Author: Marrapodi, Michael, Krebs, Tyler and Rynearson, Kim
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Beyond minimum technology requirements: Course characteristics for the instructional design of virtual programs at the elementary grade levels
Keywords: Instructional Design
Elementary Education
Educational Technology
Education
Analysis
Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (Addie)
Delphi
Elementary Grades
Online
Qualitative
Virtual Programs
Abstract: With virtual public school initiatives in each of the 50 states, there is an impetus to develop and implement online programs for the elementary grades (Cavanaugh, 2004, pp. 262-266
Oliver et al., p. 56). Yet, learner usability characteristics for successful online schooling for the elementary grades are unknown and/or unspecified. The purpose of this qualitative Delphi study was to explore factors that online elementary educators, online elementary curriculum coordinators and developers, and virtual school administrators believe influence elementary learner engagement in the design of online programs. This study used the classic qualitative Delphi method to answer the central research question by allowing experts to answer the research subquestions in three survey rounds until final consensus answers addressing the central research question were reached. The analysis procedures were based on the models of Hasson et al. (2000) and Kurubacak (2007). The data from each of the three survey rounds was analyzed with basic descriptive statistics (frequency and mean) and categorized by the themes of the four research study subquestions. It was expected that participant answers would include the desire and/or need for more engaging interactions and instructional games for the online elementary student. It was also expected that participant answers might indicate preference for childlike primary color design features and cartoon characters. Participant answers supported interactivity, games, and bright colors, and did not support primary colors or cartoon figures. A possible result from this study includes improvements to the course development phase of instructional design for developers, administrators, and instructors of virtual school programs. Additionally, with a more accurate development analysis for instructors and designers of elementary programs for online use, elementary students who experience barriers from multimedia and interactive features may gain additional e-learning options for differentiation, accessibility, and usability within the course design.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 16
Author: Welty, Brent
Year: 2001
Title: Wayfinding in real and virtual domains: Continuity and experience
Secondary Author: Gianni, Benjamin
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Wayfinding in real and virtual domains: Continuity and experience
Keywords: Architecture
Information Systems
Communication and the Arts
Abstract: This thesis explores the relationship between wayfinding in physical (real) environments and electronic (virtual) environments. In particular, it looks at a class of websites that model the real world in order to introduce users to it and enhance their understanding of it through technology-mediated means. A theme is established for a waymaking (virtual) model that suggests that the virtual experience of a physical place need neither be a substitution to that space, but that the virtual model is an actual continuity of the experience of the physical environment. Continuity is established when both the real and virtual environments appeal to the same cognitive map, where the real and virtual experiences overlap in the user's memory and image of the environment. This is to benefit wayfinders by giving them "a priori" knowledge to develop a detailed decision plan, linking the delivery of the decision plan with the dynamic nature of web-based media, aiding in future design of spatial information systems in both real and virtual domains.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 11
Author: Williams, Peter, Jamali, Hamid and Nicholas, David
Year: 2006
Title: Using ICT with people with special education needs: what the literature tells us
Journal: Aslib Proceedings
Volume: 58
Issue: 4
Pages: 330-345
Short Title: Using ICT with people with special education needs: what the literature tells us
ISSN: 0001253X
DOI: 10.1108/00012530610687704
Keywords: United Kingdom
UK
Information Technology
Communication
Special Education
Studies
Western Europe
Experimental/Theoretical
Training & Development
Telecommunications Systems & Internet Communications
Abstract:  Purpose &#150
To provide a review of the past studies on use of information and communications technology (ICT) for people with special education needs (SEN) to inform a major research project on using ICT to facilitate self-advocacy and learning for SEN learners. Design/methodology/approach &#150
Literature review, encompassing academic journals indexed in education, information science and social sciences databases, books, grey literature (including much internet-based material), and government reports. Information was gathered on the perceived benefits of ICT in SEN, and the use of some specific applications with people having various conditions. A number of usability studies, mainly Internet and web technologies, are also outlined. Findings &#150
Although the literature shows a great number of ICT initiatives for people with all kinds of disabilities, there has been a surprising lack of research into the usability of the various applications developed, and even less concerning those with learning difficulties. The review of existing literature indicates a lack of attention to the application of ICT for people with SEN, compared to the other groups of disabled people such as visually impaired. Originality/value &#150
Findings highlight the need for more research on usability aspects of current and potential applications of ICT for people with SEN. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 13
Author: Wood, Jo
Year: 2001
Title: Geospatial Information Visualization User Interface Issues
Journal: Cartography and Geographic Information Science
Volume: 28
Issue: 1
Pages: 45-60
Short Title: Geospatial Information Visualization User Interface Issues
ISSN: 1523-0406
DOI: 10.1559/152304001782173961
Keywords: Interface
Interactivity
Navigation
Collaboration
Metaphors
Usability


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 27
Author: Xu, Annie
Year: 2006
Title: An evaluation of audioconferencing as a collaborative tool for Japanese teleworkers with physical disabilities
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: An evaluation of audioconferencing as a collaborative tool for Japanese teleworkers with physical disabilities
Keywords: Industrial Engineering
Applied Sciences
Abstract: This study examined how audioconferencing can be adapted for use by teleworkers with physical disabilities. A field trial with teleworkers of a Japanese company using the Vocal Village, a spatialized audioconferencing system, was conducted. Prior to the field trial, a number of activities were carried out including, review of relevant literature, user profiling, requirements gathering, interface customization, task structuring, and evaluation of the existing Vocal Village system. During the trial, a team of seven teleworkers with physical disabilities developed a website over a two week period. They provided feedback on their experience in using the Vocal Village in their work both during and after the trial. The audioconferencing interface was customized to meet the requirements of the trial participants. Results concerning usability, work satisfaction and related measures were also reported, along with design recommendations for further initiatives and research in the area of audioconferencing for teleworkers with physical disabilities.


Reference Type:  Journal Article
Record Number: 2
Author: Yu, Wai, Kuber, Ravi, Murphy, Emma, Strain, Philip and McAllister, Graham
Year: 2006
Title: A novel multimodal interface for improving visually impaired people's web accessibility
Journal: Virtual Reality
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Pages: 133-148
Short Title: A novel multimodal interface for improving visually impaired people's web accessibility
ISSN: 1359-4338
DOI: 10.1007/s10055-005-0009-z
Keywords: Multimodal interface
Haptics
Audio
Assistive technology
Web accessibility
Web navigation
Abstract: This paper introduces a novel interface designed to help blind and visually impaired people to explore and navigate on the Web. In contrast to traditionally used assistive tools, such as screen readers and magnifiers, the new interface employs a combination of both audio and haptic features to provide spatial and navigational information to users. The haptic features are presented via a low-cost force feedback mouse allowing blind people to interact with the Web, in a similar fashion to their sighted counterparts. The audio provides navigational and textual information through the use of non-speech sounds and synthesised speech. Interacting with the multimodal interface offers a novel experience to target users, especially to those with total blindness. A series of experiments have been conducted to ascertain the usability of the interface and compare its performance to that of a traditional screen reader. Results have shown the advantages that the new multimodal interface offers blind and visually impaired people. This includes the enhanced perception of the spatial layout of Web pages, and navigation towards elements on a page. Certain issues regarding the design of the haptic and audio features raised in the evaluation are discussed and presented in terms of recommendations for future work.


Reference Type:  Generic
Record Number: 28
Author: Yuan, Bei
Year: 2009
Title: Towards generalized accessibility of video games for the visually impaired
Secondary Author: Harris, Frederick C., Folmer, Eelke, Dascalu, Sergiu, Etezadi-Amoli, Mehdi, Nicolescu, Monica and Williams, W. Larry
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing
Short Title: Towards generalized accessibility of video games for the visually impaired
Keywords: Computer Science
Applied Sciences
Blind
Haptic Feedback
Video Games
Visually Impaired
Abstract: Over the last three decades, video games have evolved from an obscure pastime to a force of change that is transforming the way people perceive, learn about, and interact with the world around them. Video games are not only a popular form of entertainment, but are increasingly being used for other purposes, such as education and health, as well. Despite this increased interest, a significant number of people encounter barriers when playing games, due to a disability. This dissertation, and our identification of a generalized game interaction model, helps provide an understanding of how video games can be designed and modified to improve their accessibility features. An estimated 11% of U.S. population are discovered to play video games with sub-optimal gaming experience because of a disability. A large number of existing, accessible games have been studied and analyzed to provide insights and understanding as to the importance of encouraging universal access in this field. Though our survey work covered several types of disabilities, the bulk of this dissertation focuses on improving accessibility for the visually impaired. Specific design strategies are illustrated and proven by the development and evaluation of actual blind-accessible games. Case studies are presented for each of the three games we developed during the research period. We developed the first mainstream game using haptic feedback. The first screen-reader-accessible virtual world interface is built to explore more strategies for developing blind-accessible games. A third game, developed for sighted users, demonstrates that data collected during gameplay can be used for other purposes including improving accessibility in another game (Second Life). Furthermore, user studies were conducted that focus on the enjoyment, educational, and social interaction aspects of these games while evaluating their ease of access.




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