Technology and Disability - Volume 35, Number 4

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Research article
Open accessResearch articleFirst published November, 2023pp. 225-244
Inaccessibility maps to support sighted people using visually impaired people’s white cane data
Rinta HasegawaORCIDJunko IchinoORCID
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Visually impaired people have been considered only as “receivers” of support; however, few studies have considered them as “givers” of support to sighted people.
OBJECTIVE:
To support the walking of sighted people using information available specifically to the visually impaired.
METHODS:
Utilizing white cane usage data of visually impaired people to create inaccessibility maps for sighted people.
RESULTS:
A user study conducted with elderly people and their stakeholders, who had high accessibility needs found that the maps were generally useful as long as they were within the user’s area of interest.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although the proposed method should be practically beneficial to users, the information detected by the system should be expanded from white cane use data, its accuracy, and more data collected from visually impaired people.
Research article
Available accessResearch articleFirst published November, 2023pp. 245-254
A study of wheelchair,movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchairs users
Paula Conceição Rocha de OliveiraORCIDLuciana Ramos BaleottiORCIDGustavo ChristofolettiORCID
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Falls when using wheelchairs can have serious consequences for users.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to investigate wheelchair types, daily movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchair users.
METHODS:
Fifty-two wheelchair users (36 male and 16 female, mean age of 44.3 ± 10 years) were interviewed online and responded to questions about the characteristics of their wheelchair, their experiences and concerns about falling while using their wheelchair.
RESULTS:
It was found that the highest levels of concern about falling when using wheelchairs were associated with the use of rigid frame wheelchairs; and with activities such as moving on sidewalks and ramps. Half of the sample reported that they did not receive training on wheelchair usage and had concerns about performing wheelie maneuvers. Reported falls caused by wheelchair failure were associated with increased concerns about falls.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings of this study suggest that wheelchair type, daily movements and environments all influence wheelchair users’ concerns about falls.
Research article
Available accessResearch articleFirst published November, 2023pp. 255-278
Multisensory computer-based system for teaching sentence reading in Hindi and Bangla to children with dyslexia
Dipshikha PodderManjira SinhaAnupam Basu
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Abstract
Though speaking skills in the mother tongue develop naturally, developing reading skills requires training. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can affect the reading ability in any language. Although many literature is available to address these challenges, the need to teach sentence reading was neglected. This paper addresses problems faced while reading sentences. As computer-based multi-sensory teaching is considered as an effective way to teach children with dyslexia (CwD), the proposed system uses multisensory teaching methods to teach sentence reading in Hindi and Bangla languages. It shows sentences as word packages to teach word sequence and help with comprehension. The platform records the response time of the user to generate a performance report to monitor her performance. For evaluating the system, an expert survey was conducted with 26 special educators in two phases, pre-test and post-test. The questionnaires were prepared following previous literature under the expert’s supervision. The pre-test data helped in understanding the educators’ experience and opinions about assistive technology and the post-test data were used to evaluate the system. In the evaluation, all educators agreed that the system will be very useful for their students and it will give a generalised solution for all the challenges their students face.
Research article
Available accessResearch articleFirst published November, 2023pp. 279-283
Design and development of a low-cost device to measure foot parameters in children with disability: A “footmeter”
Vinuta DeshpandeGauri Ramesh Gangane
Abstract
AIM:
To design and develop a low-cost device to measure foot parameters in children with disability.
METHOD:
Designing of the device was done using Solidworks software, after finalization of design, Phase 2 which involved the development of footmeter, materials used were, a rectangular wooden frame, an aluminum slider, goniometers, metal sheet with markings of 1 cm over an entire sheet in vertical as well as horizontal direction forming small grids.
RESULT:
An early version of “Footmeter” device was developed by assembling all the parts together. The Footmeter evaluates: foot length, width of forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot, height of Medial Longitudinal Arch(MLA) , abduction of 1 st MetaTarso Phalangeal (MTP) and deviation for metatarsus adductus.
CONCLUSION:
The groundbreaking Footmeter device is meticulously designed for measuring foot parameters in children with disabilities. It offers an unparalleled blend of precision, efficiency, and simplicity. With its objective outcomes, minimal training requirements, decreased manual errors, and a streamlined assessment process, “Footmeter” device stands as the ultimate all-in-one tool for the meticulous measurement of foot parameters in children with disabilities.
Book review
Free accessBook reviewFirst published November, 2023pp. 285-286
Book Review
Abstract
This review of Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew provides an overview of the book’s content, including its focus on the lived experiences of individuals and the social construct of disability. This review highlights the author’s focus on allowing individuals to celebrate their diversity and disability instead of pressuring them toward normalcy. Although brief, Against Technoableism is an informative reminder for researchers to focus on the individual and not the technology.
Other
Free accessOtherFirst published November, 2023pp. 287-287
Reviewers List 2023

Volume 35, Issue 4, November 2023

Inaccessibility maps to support sighted people using visually impaired people’s white cane data

A study of wheelchair,movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchairs users

Multisensory computer-based system for teaching sentence reading in Hindi and Bangla to children with dyslexia

Design and development of a low-cost device to measure foot parameters in children with disability: A “footmeter”

Book Review

Reviewers List 2023