The use of mobile devices as assistive technology in resource-limited environments: access for learners with visual impairments in Kenya

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan R. Foley ◽  
Joanna O. Masingila
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
Resource Limited

scholarly journals Training pre-service general educators in assistive technology competencies for students with visual impairments

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Ashby Jones ◽  
Belinda Rudinger ◽  
Nichole Williams ◽  
Stephanie Witcher
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Visual Impairments ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
General Educators ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pre Service Teacher

Teacher knowledge of, and comfort with, assistive technology (AT) is key for student use of AT. Previous research identified the AT competencies needed for instructing students with visual impairments (VI) and level of competency required in each. The authors selected 20 of the competencies most appropriate for general education teachers instructing students with VI and investigated the impact of pre-service teacher training in AT on their self-rated competency levels. Pre-service teachers were given a pre-test (using qualitative and quantitative measures), trained in AT using a scavenger hunt in the AT Lab at the university where the study took place, and then completed a post-test of the same measures. Participants could name more AT software and devices on the post-test and viewed themselves as more competent with regards to the 20 SAT competencies.

The Changing Face of Assistive Technology

2015 ◽  
pp. 2068-2076
Author(s):  
James R. Stachowiak
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Operating Systems ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
The World ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Access Information

Computer-based Assistive Technology (AT) has had a powerful effect on people with disabilities in the areas of reading, writing, communicating, and accessing information. One of the roadblocks for use has always been the expense of AT. Advancements in computing and mobile technology, however, are making some technology more readily available, accessible, and cost effective for people with disabilities. Computer operating systems, for example, now contain features to magnify screens for reading and in the entering of text. The mobile movement of smartphones, e-readers, and tablets has also been changing the way people with disabilities access information. The capabilities of these devices combined with the immediate availability, affordability, and ease of use, has been making the world more accessible for people with disabilities, and with mobile devices increasingly becoming a necessity for most, this trend is anticipated to only continue.

Smartwatch as an Assistive Technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marin Vuković ◽  
Željka Car ◽  
Jasmina Ivšac Pavlisa ◽  
Lidija Mandić
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Multidisciplinary Research ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Communication Needs

Wearables may have notable potential as an assistive technology for persons with various difficulties. Although quite popular, smartwatches' niches are still revealing. One of them is definitely in the domain of assistive technology due to their communication and location features. Positioning features enable parents or caregivers to know the whereabouts of child or persons with disabilities, thus increasing their safety. The paper presents smartwatch tracking system for people with complex communication needs with emphasis on detection of smartwatch wearer's common movement routes. The application is a result of multidisciplinary research performed in the area of information and communication technology, as an assistive technology aiming to explore the technological possibilities of connecting new generations of mobile devices and their technological supplements, or wearables, in order to establish a different communication and location aids.

scholarly journals Collaborative engagement of Hispanic communities in the planning, conducting, and dissemination of assistive technology research

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elsa M. Orellano-Colón ◽  
Marta Rivero-Méndez ◽  
Claudia X. Boneu-Meléndez ◽  
Solymar Solís-Báez ◽  
Arelí León-Astor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Power Sharing ◽  
Community Advisory Board ◽  
Study Phase ◽  
Community Healthcare ◽  
Community Stakeholders ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Personal Connections

Abstract Introduction: Community engagement (CE) is critical for research on the adoption and use of assistive technology (AT) in many populations living in resource-limited environments. Few studies have described the process that was used for engaging communities in AT research, particularly within low-income communities of older Hispanic with disabilities where limited access, culture, and mistrust must be navigated. We aimed to identify effective practices to enhance CE of low-income Hispanic communities in AT research. Methods: The community stakeholders included community-based organizations, the community healthcare clinic, the local AT project, and residents of the Caño Martín Peña Community in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The CE procedures and activities during the Planning the Study Phase comprised working group meetings with stakeholders to cocreate the funding proposal for the study and address the reviewers’ critiques. During the Conducting the Study Phase, we convened a Community Advisory Board to assist in the implementation of the study. During the Disseminating the Study Results Phase, we developed and implemented plans to disseminate the research results. Results: We identified seven distinct practices to enhance CE in AT research with Hispanic communities: (1) early and continuous input; (2) building trusting and warm relationships through personal connections; (3) establishing and maintaining presence in the community; (4) power sharing; (5) shared language; (6) ongoing mentorship and support to community members; and (7) adapting to the changing needs of the community. Conclusion: Greater attention to CE practices may improve the effectiveness and sustainability of AT research with low-income communities.

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