Technology and Disability - Volume 33, issue 3

Authors: Kumar, Shashank | Shree DV, Jeevitha | Biswas, Pradipta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Web accessibility is one of the most important aspects of building a website. It is important for web developers to ensure that their website is accessible according to WCAG standards for people with different range of abilities. There is plethora of tools for ensuring conformance to WCAG standards but not many studies compared performance of automatic WCAG tools. OBJECTIVE: This paper compares a set of ten WCAG tools and their results in terms of ease of comprehension and interpretation by web developers. We proposed a Common User Profile format to help personalize contents of website …making it accessible to people with different range of abilities. METHODS: We selected ten WCAG tools from World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to evaluate landing pages of two popular websites. For each webpage, we identified accessibility issues and recommended alternate suggestions to help developers improve accessibility. Further, we highlighted accessibility issues that cannot be captured only through conformance to WCAG tools; and proposed additional methods to evaluate accessibility through an Inclusive User Model. We then demonstrated how simulation of user interaction can capture usability and accessibility issues that are not detected through only syntactic analysis of websites’ content. Finally, we proposed a Common User Profile format that can be used to compare and contrast accessibility systems and services, and to simulate and personalize interaction for users with different range of abilities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After careful evaluation of two websites using the ten tools, we noted that, both websites lacked color contrast between background and foreground; lack of sign language alternatives; opening of pop-ups without proper warnings and so on. Further, results from comparative analysis of selected web accessibility tools noted that, there is no single tool that can be found ideal in all aspects. However, from our study, Utilitia Validator by Utilitia SP. z O.O was considered the most feasible tool. By rectifying and incorporating issues and alternate suggestions by simulation study and Common User Profile format respectively, developers can improve both websites making it accessible to maximum audience. Show more

Keywords: WCAG guidelines, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), accessibility evaluation tools, Cambridge Simulator, Inclusive User Model, common user profile

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210329

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 163-185, 2021

Authors: Santoki, Smita | Patvardhan, Neha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The dominance of a digital wave is being felt in every sphere of the industry, and has been a big boon for online shoppers today. However, companies tend to ignore a section of their customer base, i.e. those who are visually impaired; although there are well-established standards set by WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Although most e-commerce companies in India conform to these guidelines, as per the recommendations from the Indian government; however ironically; these are not accessible by the blind. OBJECTIVE: This paper specially focuses on the list of problems that the visually-impaired …in India face while trying to access e-commerce sites, as most of the sites haven’t conformed to the WCAG 2.0 guidelines. METHOD: Qualitative analysis through the Repertory technique by Kelly in which, the grid developed for different constructs addressing various problems faced by such users in accessing e-commerce websites. FINDINGS: From the findings, it is evident that these visually impaired people are extremely open to gaining access towards the companies’ strategies, as they also want to be a part of the main segment of the society, and would in turn be a strong contributor to the profits of the companies, if they’re taken seriously. The findings also have a series of managerial as well as social implications. CONCLUSION: Further, the study also looks at lending some suggestions through which, marketing managers would be able to look into this prevailing problem, and thereby address the same, while enhancing their level of engagement with this specially-enabled client base. This would result not only in adding profits to the business at large, but also ensure customer satisfaction and delight, albeit the fact that they’re differently abled. Show more

Keywords: Website accessibility, visually impaired, digital marketing, marketing communication gap, e-commerce

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-200293

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 187-193, 2021

Authors: Hernandez, Hamilton | Poitras, Isabelle | Fay, Linda | Khan, Ajmal | Roy, Jean-Sébastien | Biddiss, Elaine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Video games can be used to motivate repetitive movements in paediatric rehabilitation. Most upper limb videogaming therapies do not however include haptic feedback which can limit their impact. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of interactive computer play with haptic feedback for improving arm function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Eleven children with hemiplegic CP attended 12 therapist-guided sessions in which they used a gaming station composed of the Novint Falcon, custom-built handles, physical supports for the child’s arm, games, and an application to manage and calibrate therapeutic settings. Outcome measures …included Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The study protocol is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04298411). RESULTS: Participants completed a mean of 3858 wrist extensions and 6665 elbow/shoulder movements during the therapist-guided sessions. Clinically important improvements were observed on the dissociated and grasp dimensions on the QUEST and the performance and satisfaction scales of the COPM (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that computer play with haptic feedback could be a useful and playful option to help improve the hand/arm capacities of children with CP and warrants further study. The opportunities and challenges of using low-cost, mainstream gaming software and hardware for therapeutic applications are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Game therapy, paediatrics, cerebral palsy, haptic feedback, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-200319

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 195-206, 2021

Authors: Roentgen, Uta R. | Heide, Loek A. van der | Kremer, Ingrid E.H. | Creemers, Huub | Brehm, Merel A. | Groothuis, Jan T. | Hagedoren, Edith A.V. | Daniëls, Ramon | Evers, Silvia M.A.A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Impaired upper extremity function due to muscle paresis or paralysis has a major impact on independent living and quality of life (QoL). Assistive technology (AT) for upper extremity function (i.e. dynamic arm supports and robotic arms) can increase a client’s independence. Previous studies revealed that clients often use AT not to their full potential, due to suboptimal provision of these devices in usual care. OBJECTIVE: To optimize the process of providing AT for impaired upper extremity function and to evaluate its (cost-) effectiveness compared with care as usual. METHODS: Development of a …protocol to guide the AT provision process in an optimized way according to generic Dutch guidelines; a quasi-experimental study with non-randomized, consecutive inclusion of a control group (n = 48) receiving care as usual and of an intervention group (optimized provision process) (n = 48); and a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from societal perspective will be performed. The primary outcome is clients’ satisfaction with the AT and related services, measured with the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT (Dutch version; D-QUEST). Secondary outcomes comprise complaints of the upper extremity, restrictions in activities, QoL, medical consumption and societal cost. Measurements are taken at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow-up. Show more

Keywords: Efficiency, cost-effectiveness, impaired upper extremity function, dynamic arm supports, robotic arms, provision of assistive technology devices, user satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210335

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 207-220, 2021

Authors: Myers, Edwin J. | Dominguez, David S. | Guigliano, Melissa E. | Mallory, Melissa G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study compared the inter-instrument reliability of the Jamar Hand Dynamometer (Jamar) to the BTE EVJ Handgrip tool (EVJ). The EVJ is a new digital handgrip instrument designed by BTE Technologies Inc. (BTE Tech) utilizing Bluetooth technology to automatically upload data to a computer or electronic health record. METHOD: This repeated measure study engaged 338 participants (N = 199 females, N = 139 males) ages 20 to 50. All participants were tested on both devices following the protocol established by the American Society of Hand …Therapists (ASHT). RESULTS: Comparative statistics included ICC values (0.81–0.84), Pearson R (correlation coefficient) (0.68–0.77), and Bland Altman plots (93–95% of data within 2 SD), indicating good inter-instrument agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The EVJ Handgrip, developed by BTE Technologies, demonstrated good inter-instrument reliability with the Jamar Hand Dynamometer and may be reliable to use when referencing the published normative values in the clinical environment. Show more

Keywords: Dynamometer, industrial rehabilitation, hand function, grip strength, functional capacity evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-200318

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 221-227, 2021

Authors: Lancioni, Giulio E. | Singh, Nirbhay N. | O’Reilly, Mark F. | Sigafoos, Jeff | Alberti, Gloria | Chiariello, Valeria | Desideri, Lorenzo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with severe to profound intellectual disabilities and visual or motor impairment tend to be detached and sedentary. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed a technology-aided intervention to promote ambulation in four people with severe to profound intellectual disability combined with blindness or deafness and spasticity. METHOD: The intervention was introduced according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. The participants wore a smartphone fitted with the MacroDroid application at their right or left ankle. This application served to (a) detect and record smartphone’s shake events (i.e., events related to the step …responses the participant performed with the leg to which the smartphone was fixed) throughout the study, and (b) automatically deliver stimulation and encouragements/prompts (i.e., in relation to step responses and lack of responding, respectively) during the intervention. RESULTS: Data showed that during the baseline (i.e., prior to the intervention) the participants’ mean frequency of step responses were between 26 and 61 per 5-min session. During the intervention the mean session frequency increased to between 100 and 157. The increase was statistically significant for all participants. CONCLUSION: The aforementioned technology-aided intervention may be a useful tool for promoting ambulation in people like those involved in this study. Show more

Keywords: Ambulation, technology, intellectual disability, blindness, deafness, spasticity

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210336

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 229-236, 2021

Authors: Kocamaz, Elif Bilsin | Akça, Kamile | Uygun, Şahin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Information and communication technologies can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Hardware and software services adapted for the type of disability may enable the individuals with disabilities to make use of information and communication technologies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the use of internet and technological devices in children with disability from the perspective of parents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The sample group was comprised of parents who accepted to take part in the study and who have children …continuing their education at a special education and rehabilitation center. Family and Child Introductory Information Form, Use of Internet and Technological Devices Information Form were used for data acquisition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that 97.5% of the children have smart phones, 45% have tablets and 34% have computers and that smart phones, tablets and computers are used for playing games by 64%, 27% and 10% of the children respectively. The present study has shown that children with disability are able use technological devices by themselves for the purposes of following social media, playing games, watching films/cartoons, listening to music, doing homework, chatting and taking photographs. Show more

Keywords: Parents, children with disability, internet, technological devices

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-210328

Citation: Technology and Disability, vol. 33, no. 3, pp. 237-244, 2021