Developing an Automated System for Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
This project seeks to develop a low-cost, fully automated, real-time system that converts and renders visual graphics into accessible formats for individuals who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). To guide the system’s design, researchers are conducting focus groups with BVIs, teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs), and rehabilitation professionals to learn how BVIs currently use or wish to use graphical information and what features they find most helpful in an automated accessibility tool.
Each session will last about 1.5 hours, and participants will receive $25 compensation, with an additional $25 for transportation for BVIs attending in person. Focus groups will tentatively take place in Richmond, the DC metro area, and Hampton Roads, with online options via Zoom.
For more information, contact Prof. Dianne Pawluk, [email protected], 804-525-8793, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or contact Andrew Tuck, [email protected], 703-215-6107.