Opportunities and Limitations of Haptic Technologies for Non-visual Access to 2D and 3D Graphics
Existing and emerging haptic technologies offer methods for non-visually rendering and interacting with 2D and 3D graphical information. These technologies include force feedback devices, touch surfaces with vibrotactile feedback, wearable vibrotactiles, and touch surfaces with electrostatic feedback. In this paper we will focus on approaches to non-visual access to 3D shapes. The interactive models focus on two approaches: simulation of 3D shape and perspective on a 2D touch surface; and interactive exploration of 3D shapes using physical motion in a virtual 3D space with either a force feedback controller or wearable haptics. The technologies will be reviewed along with suitability for th…
A Mobile Application Concept to Encourage Independent Mobility for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
This paper presents a user-centric application development process for mobile application to blind and visually impaired students. The development process connects the assistive technology experts, teachers and students from the school for visually impaired together to participate to the design of the mobile application. The data for the analysis is gathered from interviews and workshops with the target group. The main goal of the project is to examine how mobile application can be used to encourage and motivate visually impaired students to move independently indoors and outdoors. The application allows the students to interact with their environment through use of sensor technology now st…
Improving Participation, Accessibility and Compliance for Campus-Wide Mobile Emergency Alerting Systems
University campus communities face a variety of hazards, from natural and technological disasters to terrorism and violence. In response to recent events, many campuses within the United States have begun to implement emergency notification systems utilizing email, text, and telephone-based messaging. These alerts are designed to reach members of the campus community, including faculty, staff, and students and most rely upon an opt-in model for participation. The present design of both the registration process and the notification messages raise several concerns as to the effectiveness of notification systems. This research presents findings from an examination of emergency notification sys…