Blind Users Research Articles

Design and Development Model of a Web Accessibility Ecosystem

The article examines issues of web accessibility ecosystems for people with special needs. Methods, models, accessibility standards, and technologies related to the structure, design, and functionality of the web accessibility ecosystem are studied. The stages of developing an accessibility ecosystem are explored. The accessibility of the design, functionalities, structure, and content of a particular ecosystem are presented. Several themes for the design of the system with an emphasis on its accessibility for blind users are explored and analyzed. UX/UI design and the ontological model of accessibility, used in the implementation of the model of the ecosystem and its elements, are studied. A web accessibility ecosystem model has been developed, compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and based on semantic technologies. Other qualities of this model are easy access to information resources on the topic of accessibility, convenience for users with different needs, and the possibility of expansion and enrichment in the future.

Exploring the impact of word prediction assistive features on smartphone keyboards for blind users

Assistive technologies have been developed to enhance blind users’ typing performance, focusing on speed, accuracy, and effort reduction. One such technology is word prediction software, designed to minimize keystrokes required for text input. This study investigates the impact of word prediction on typing performance among blind users using an on-screen QWERTY keyboard. We conducted a comparative study involving eleven blind participants, evaluating both standard QWERTY input and word prediction-assisted typing. Our findings reveal that while word prediction slightly improves typing speed, it does not enhance typing accuracy and increases both physical and temporal workload compared to the default keyboard. We conclude with recommendations for improving word prediction systems, including more efficient editing methods and the integration of voice pitch variations to aid error recognition.

Math for Everybody: A Sonification Module for Computer Algebra Systems Aimed at Visually Impaired People

Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) currently lack an effective auditory representation, with most existing solutions relying on screen readers that provide limited functionality. This limitation prevents blind users from fully understanding and interpreting mathematical expressions, leading to confusion and self-doubt. This paper addresses the challenges blind individuals face when comprehending mathematical expressions within a CAS environment. We propose “Math for Everybody” (Math4e, version 1.0), a software module to reduce barriers for blind users in education. Math4e is a Sonification Module for CAS that generates a series of auditory tones, prosodic cues, and variations in audio parameters such as volume and speed. These resources are designed to eliminate ambiguity and facilitate the interpretation and understanding of mathematical expressions for blind users. To assess the effectiveness of Math4e, we conducted standardized tests employing the methodologies outlined in the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTBQ), and ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119. The evaluation encompassed two scenarios: one involving simulated blind users and another with real blind users associated with the “Asociación de Invidentes Milton Vedado” foundation in Ecuador. Through the SAM methodology and verbal surveys (given the condition of the evaluated user), results are obtained, such as 90.56% for pleasure, 90.78% for arousal, and 91.56% for dominance, which demonstrates significant acceptance of the systems by the users. The outcomes underscored the users’ commendable ability to identify mathematical expressions accurately.

Porn for the blind: Accessibility to pornography for visually impaired and blind users

This article addresses the overlooked issue of accessibility in pornography for the blind and visually impaired, emphasizing the technical challenges involved. Focusing on audio descriptions as a key element, the paper explores the struggle of conveying emotional and sensory aspects in a purely aural context. Existing platforms are analyzed, revealing the lack of universal standards and quality control for audio-described porn, and the complexity in creating a coherent broadcast in absence of guidelines. The paper suggests a shift from traditional technical perspectives and recommends user testing with the visually impaired community for feedback. Logistical challenges, including finding willing performers and supporters, are acknowledged. The methodology involves analytical studies, aiming to uncover discrepancies in audio standards and proposing optimization strategies. This scholarly pursuit posits collaborative endeavors as a catalyst for augmenting inclusivity, equality, and sexual well-being for the visually impaired individuals within the pornography milieu.

A Case Study on (EAVIBA) Enhanced Accessibility for Visually Impaired & Blind Artists using Machine Learning

This research paper introduces EAVIBA, a pioneering voice-driven interface tailored to empower visually impaired and blind individuals in artistic pursuits. Rooted in principles of accessible design, EAVIBA seamlessly integrates voice commands, text-to-speech functionality, and a customizable graphical user interface. The study delves into EAVIBA's architecture, implementation of assistive technologies, and commitment to accessibility standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Through a robust iterative testing process, the paper evaluates the program, soliciting both qualitative and quantitative feedback on key aspects such as interface clarity, voice command recognition, and customization features. Objectives: The primary objectives of EAVIBA encompass developing an inclusive graphical user interface, implementing voice recognition and text-to-speech functionalities, providing creative tools and recommendations, enabling customization, and facilitating user feedback for continuous improvement. Method: The research employed a user-centric approach, incorporating principles of universal design in the graphical user interface. The integration of voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies, along with customizable features, was meticulously executed. Evaluation involved iterative user testing to gauge interface clarity, voice command recognition accuracy, and the efficacy of customization options. Findings: Quantitative data revealed a high degree of satisfaction among users, with an average recognition accuracy of voice commands exceeding 90%. Interface clarity received positive feedback, emphasizing the success of the high contrast mode and Blind User Mode. Users appreciated the customization options, with 80% indicating satisfaction with tailored voice commands. Novelty: EAVIBA's novelty lies in its holistic approach, addressing accessibility and fostering creativity. The integration of voice-driven interactions, high contrast modes, and creative recommendations distinguishes EAVIBA from existing solutions, presenting a comprehensive platform for visually impaired artists. Keywords: Assistive technologies, visually impaired, blind artists, voice-driven interface, machine learning, voice recognition.

PWD’S Learning App

The goal of the proposed project is to create a mobile application specifically designed to meet the educational needs of people with impairments, with an emphasis on pupils who are blind or deaf. The program consists of two modules: a Basics of Coding module for deaf users and an English Learning module for blind users. The English module includes gamification features like levels and streak systems to increase student engagement, a voice-controlled interface to enhance interaction, and customized learning algorithms to modify the complexity of the lessons based on performance. In contrast, the Coding module makes use of a visual user interface that is accessible to students who are deaf. It does this by teaching coding principles through visually appealing material and by integrating game-like elements and individualized learning algorithms. Prioritizing inclusiveness and accessibility, both modules guarantee a flawless mobile user experience. To improve the learning process, additional features like progress monitoring and user profiles are included. Based on user input, the program will be updated and improved continuously to ensure that it continues to be relevant and successful in fostering diversity and skill development in education. Keywords— PWD, Gamified Education, Hearing Listening and Blind problem.

Identify, Adapt, Persist

Personal health technologies (PHTs) often do not consider the accessibility needs of blind individuals, preventing access to their capabilities and data. However, despite the accessibility barriers, some blind individuals persistently use such systems and even express satisfaction with them. To obtain a deeper understanding of blind users' prolonged experiences in PHTs, we interviewed 11 individuals who continue to use such technologies, discussing and observing their past and current interactions with their systems. We report on usability issues blind users encounter and how they adapt to these situations, and theories for the persistent use of PHTs in the face of poor accessibility. We reflect on strategies to improve the accessibility and usability of PHTs for blind users, as well as ideas to aid the normalization of accessible features within these systems.

"Because Some Sighted People, They Don't Know What the Heck You're Talking About:" A Study of Blind Tokers' Infrastructuring Work to Build Independence

There has been extensive research on the experiences of individuals with visual impairments on text- and image-based social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. However, little is known about the experiences of visually impaired users on short-video platforms like TikTok. To bridge this gap, we conducted an interview study with 30 BlindTokers (the nickname of blind TikTokers). Our study aimed to explore the various activities of BlindTokers on TikTok, including everyday entertainment, professional development, and community engagement. The widespread usage of TikTok among participants demonstrated that they considered TikTok and its associated experiences as the infrastructure for their activities. Additionally, participants reported experiencing breakdowns in this infrastructure due to accessibility issues. They had to carry out infrastructuring work to resolve the breakdowns. Blind users' various practices on TikTok also foregrounded their perceptions of independence. We then discussed blind users' nuanced understanding of the TikTok-mediated independence; we also critically examined BlindTokers' infrastructuring work for such independence.

E-Commerce Mobile Applications for Visually Impaired Persons

A Mobile app design that allows visually impaired and blind users to access and shop without any assistance. The system gives voice instruction to users and an input is requested from the user. The Voice Command-Based Product Information System for Blind People is an innovative solution designed to empower visually impaired individuals with easy access to product information.

Self-assembled thin films as alternative surface textures in assistive aids with users who are blind.

Current tactile graphics primarily render tactile information for blind users through physical features, such as raised bumps or lines. However, the variety of distinctive physical features that can be created is effectively saturated, and alternatives to these physical features are not currently available for static tactile aids. Here, we explored the use of chemical modification through self-assembled thin films to generate distinctive textures in tactile aids. We used two silane precursors, n-butylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane and n-pentyltrichlorosilane, to coat playing card surfaces and investigated their efficacy as a tactile coating. We verified the surface coating process and examined their durability to repeated use by traditional materials characterization and custom mesoscale friction testing. Finally, we asked participants who were both congenitally blind and braille-literate to sort the cards based on touch. We found that participants were able to identify the correct coated card with 82% accuracy, which was significantly above chance, and two participants achieved 100% accuracy. This success with study participants demonstrates that surface coatings and surface modifications might augment or complement physical textures in next-generation tactile aids.

Artificial Intelligence Powered Tools for People who are Blind Users in Libraries – An Overview to Guide Special Users by the Librarians

Artificial Intelligence Powered Tools for People who are Blind Users in Libraries – An Overview to Guide Special Users by the Librarians

Image to Audio Conversion for Blind People Using Neural Network

Abstract: The development of an image-to-audio conversion system represents a significant stride towards enhancing accessibility and autonomy for visually impaired individuals. This innovative technology leverages computer vision and audio synthesis techniques to convert visual information from images into auditory cues, enabling blind users to interpret and comprehend their surroundings more effectively. The core of this system relies on advanced computer vision algorithms that process input images, recognizing objects, text, and scene elements. These algorithms employ deep learning models to extract meaningful visual features and convert them into a structured representation of the image content. Simultaneously, natural language processing techniques are employed to extract and interpret textual information within the image, such as signs, labels, or written instructions. Once the image content is comprehended, an audio synthesis engine generates a corresponding auditory output. This auditory output is designed to convey the information in a clear and intuitive manner. Additionally, the system can adapt its output based on user preferences and environmental context, providing a customizable and dynamic auditory experience. It empowers blind individuals to independently access visual information from a variety of sources, including printed materials, digital displays, and real-world scenes. Moreover, it promotes inclusion by reducing the reliance on sighted assistance and fostering greater self-reliance and confidence among visually impaired individuals. By harnessing computer vision and audio synthesis, it provides a means for blind individuals to access and interpret visual information independently, thereby enhancing their autonomy, inclusion, and overall quality of life. This innovative solution underscores the potential of technology to bridge accessibility gaps and empower individuals with disabilities.

Research on Force Interaction Devices Specialized for Blind Guidance Robot

Abstract: As a new type of human-computer interaction, physical human-robot interaction is very common in guide robots and is the mainstream of future development. However, the force interaction device is hard to choose according to actual application requirements. In this paper, we compared the force transmission characteristics of three interaction mediums: rigid rod, spring-damping, and cable. The result shows that the rigid rod will bring a force impact on blind users when the robot’s motion state switches, while the spring-damper can not perform well in its response and stability. In contrast, the cable is more suitable in this area for its fast response and stability, moreover, it does not impose a dramatic impact when imposing an excitation force.

Counterfeit Currency Detection and Recognition for Blind People

Counterfeit currency detection and recognition technology is a crucial tool to empower blind and visually impaired individuals in managing their finances independently and securely. In an increasingly digital and cashless world, ensuring that these individuals can confidently identify genuine banknotes and protect themselves from counterfeit currency scams is of paramount importance. This abstract explores the challenges faced by blind users, the technology’s potential, and the ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and usability. Blind and visually impaired individuals encounter significant hurdles when dealing with currency, from counting money to ensuring its authenticity.

Detecting Deceptive Dark-Pattern Web Advertisements for Blind Screen-Reader Users.

Advertisements have become commonplace on modern websites. While ads are typically designed for visual consumption, it is unclear how they affect blind users who interact with the ads using a screen reader. Existing research studies on non-visual web interaction predominantly focus on general web browsing; the specific impact of extraneous ad content on blind users' experience remains largely unexplored. To fill this gap, we conducted an interview study with 18 blind participants; we found that blind users are often deceived by ads that contextually blend in with the surrounding web page content. While ad blockers can address this problem via a blanket filtering operation, many websites are increasingly denying access if an ad blocker is active. Moreover, ad blockers often do not filter out internal ads injected by the websites themselves. Therefore, we devised an algorithm to automatically identify contextually deceptive ads on a web page. Specifically, we built a detection model that leverages a multi-modal combination of handcrafted and automatically extracted features to determine if a particular ad is contextually deceptive. Evaluations of the model on a representative test dataset and 'in-the-wild' random websites yielded F1 scores of 0.86 and 0.88, respectively.

WSREB Mechanism: Web Search Results Exploration Mechanism for Blind Users

In the contemporary digital landscape, web search functions as a pivotal conduit for information dissemination. Nevertheless, blind users (BUs) encounter substantial barriers in leveraging online services, attributable to intrinsic deficiencies in the information structure presented by online platforms. A critical analysis reveals that a considerable segment of BUs perceive online service access as either challenging or unfeasible, with only a fraction of search endeavors culminating successfully. This predicament stems largely from the linear nature of information interaction necessitated for BUs, a process that mandates sequential content relevancy assessment, consequently imposing cognitive strain and fostering information disorientation. Moreover, the prevailing evaluative metrics for web service efficacy—precision and recall—exhibit a glaring oversight of the nuanced behavioral and usability facets pertinent to BUs during search engine design. Addressing this, our study introduces an innovative framework to facilitate information exploration, grounded in the cognitive principles governing BUs. This framework, piloted using the Wikipedia dataset, seeks to revolutionize the search result space through categorical organization, thereby enhancing accessibility for BUs. Empirical and usability assessments, conducted on a cohort of legally blind individuals (N = 25), underscore the framework’s potential, demonstrating notable improvements in web content accessibility and system usability, with categorical accuracy standing at 84% and a usability quotient of 72.5%. This research thus holds significant promise for redefining web search paradigms to foster inclusivity and optimized user experiences for BUs.

Navigating Hierarchical Menus Through Sound

Much of the current user experience navigating digital information relies on visual displays. Providing auditory alternatives enables access for visually impaired and blind users. The current study evaluated hierarchical navigation in a novel spatialized auditory interface compared to a screen reader and visual navigation mode. Past studies suggest that spatialized audio may provide performance improvements. Sixteen participants navigated menu structures of varying depth / breadth to select a target item with three different interface styles (spatial audio, screen reader, and visual). Time-to-completion, errors, and SUS scores were compared across interfaces. Results showed that spatial audio was significantly slower, more error prone, and less usable than the other conditions. However, the problems of spatial audio might be overcome with simple changes in the interaction mode and optimization of display space. Our experience shows that designers must solve the problem of auditory clutter and spatial selection to achieve usable auditory navigation.

Tailoring Tactile Maps Based on Blind Users’ Needs

Abstract. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to "leave no one behind," including visually impaired individuals who should have equal access to information. However, the production of tactile maps for the visually impaired has been inhibited by factors such as a lack of data and technology, cartographical challenges, and high production costs. To address this issue, two research projects developed prototype tactile maps for visually impaired users and evaluated their usability through a focus group discussion and hands-on experience. In the first project, the maps were appreciated for their continuous style, thematic versatility, and proportional information density. Suggestions for improvement included the addition of a clear map title, an overview map, a mandatory legend, and distinguishable icons. Tactile maps were seen as supplementary to mobile navigation by providing a geographical overview, information about locations of interest, creating and correcting cognitive pictures of the living environment, and sharpening geographical and common knowledge. The second project focused on refining the results in multiple iterations, and for this purpose a multidisciplinary consortium was formed that, in collaboration with a test panel of visually impaired users, contributed to the aim of making tactile topography on-demand, fit-for-purpose and globally available.

Understanding the Usages, Lifecycle, and Opportunities of Screen Readers’ Plugins

Screen reader plugins are small pieces of code that blind users can download and install to enhance the capabilities of their screen readers. This article aims to understand why blind users use these plugins, as well as how these plugins are developed, deployed, and maintained. To this end, we conducted an interview study with 14 blind users to gain individual perspectives and analyzed 2,000 online posts scraped from three plugin-related forums to gain the community perspective. Our study revealed that screen reader users rely on plugins for various reasons, such as to improve the usability of screen readers and application software, to make partially accessible applications accessible, and to receive custom auditory feedback. Furthermore, installing plugins is easy; uninstalling them is unlikely; and finding them online is ad hoc, challenging, and sometimes poses security threats. In addition, developing screen reader plugins is technically demanding; only a handful of people develop plugins. Unfortunately, most plugins do not receive updates once distributed and become obsolete. The lack of financial incentives plays in the slow growth of the plugin ecosystem. Further, we outlined the complex, tripartite collaboration among individual blind users, their online communities, and developer communities in creating a plugin. Additionally, we reported several phenomena within and between these communities that are likely to influence a plugin’s development. Based on our findings, we recommend creating a community-driven repository for all plugins hosted on a peer-to-peer infrastructure, engaging third-party developers, and raising general awareness about the benefits and dangers of plugins. We believe our findings will inspire HCI researchers to embrace the plugin-based distribution model as an effective way to combat accessibility and usability problems in non-visual interaction and to investigate potential ways to improve the collaboration between blind users and developer communities.

Machine Generation of Audio Description for Blind and Visually Impaired People

Automating the generation of audio descriptions (AD) for blind and visually impaired (BVI) people is a difficult task, since it has several challenges involved, such as: identifying gaps in dialogues; describing the essential elements; summarizing and fitting the descriptions into the dialogue gaps; generating an AD narration track, and synchronizing it with the main soundtrack. In our previous work (Campos et al. [ 6 ]), we propose a solution for automatic AD script generation, named CineAD, which uses the movie’s script as a basis for the AD generation. This article proposes extending this solution to complement the information extracted from the script and reduce its dependency based on the classification of visual information from the video. To assess the viability of the proposed solution, we implemented a proof of concept of the solution and evaluated it with 11 blind users. The results showed that the solution could generate a more succinct and objective AD but with a similar users’ level of understanding compared to our previous work. Thus, the solution can provide relevant information to blind users using less video time for descriptions.