The role of technology in enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
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The Role of Technology in Enhancing Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities
Pervasive Computing Technology and Independence
Pervasive computing technology significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing timely information and aiding in independent navigation of their environments. Research projects focusing on various impairments highlight the importance of involving target users in the design and implementation of accessibility systems to ensure their effectiveness and usability1.
AI Technologies and Accessibility Barriers
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies hold the potential to remove many accessibility barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. For instance, computer vision can assist those who are blind in sensing the visual world, while speech recognition and translation technologies can provide real-time captioning for people who are hard of hearing. Additionally, robotic systems can augment the capabilities of individuals with limited mobility. However, ethical considerations such as inclusivity, bias, privacy, and social acceptability must be addressed to maximize the benefits of AI for all users2.
Computer and Information Technologies
Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) have revolutionized the way society operates, offering new tools and resources to alleviate traditional barriers encountered by people with disabilities. Speech generation systems benefit those with visual impairments, voice recognition aids individuals with motor impairments, and multi-modal presentations help people with learning disabilities understand information better. The interplay between user studies, inclusive design, and prototype development has led to innovations that enhance users' experiences with information technology in daily life3.
Low-Cost Assistive Technologies
The affordability and accessibility of assistive technologies (ATs) are crucial, especially in low and medium-income countries. Open-source hardware (OSHW) and software (OSS) have been employed to design and develop low-cost ATs for various disabilities, including visual, mobility, and hearing impairments. Technologies such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and computer vision-based systems have been instrumental in creating these ATs. However, challenges such as technical factors, documentation, and government policies need to be addressed to promote the development and accessibility of these technologies4.
Mobile Applications for Accessibility
Mobile applications have become invaluable tools for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, particularly in navigating buildings. Current trends in accessibility apps show their impact on independence and quality of life. However, there is a need for a common evaluation and certification framework to ensure consistency, reliability, and transparency in assessing these apps' effectiveness. Such a framework would support informed decision-making and stimulate innovation in the field6.
Universal Access Solutions and ICT
The development of universal access solutions is essential for enabling equitable access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Assistive technologies play a vital role in helping people with disabilities perform daily activities and achieve greater independence. The growing global proportion of disabled and elderly people increases the demand for new assistive technologies, highlighting the need for continuous innovation and development in this area7.
Digital Accessibility and Libraries
Digital accessibility to information online is often an afterthought, applied retroactively rather than integrated from the start. Libraries can serve as advocates for increasing digital accessibility by utilizing current technologies and supporting the integration of accessibility into online services. This proactive approach can ensure that digital resources are accessible to all members of the community9.
Conclusion
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. From pervasive computing and AI to low-cost assistive technologies and mobile applications, various technological advancements have significantly improved the quality of life and independence of disabled individuals. However, addressing ethical considerations, affordability, and the need for universal access solutions remains essential to ensure that these technologies benefit all users equitably.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement for Those with Disabilities
Pervasive computing technology can enhance quality of life for those with disabilities by providing timely information and helping them navigate their environment independently, but it's crucial to involve users in the design and implementation process.
AI and Accessibility: A Discussion of Ethical Considerations
AI technologies can enhance accessibility for users with disabilities, but ethical challenges must be addressed to ensure inclusivity, bias, privacy, and social acceptability.
Computers and accessibility
Recent advances in computer accessibility, influenced by user studies, inclusive design, and prototype development, have significantly improved users' experience in using information technology and in everyday life.
Low-Cost Assistive Technologies for Disabled People Using Open-Source Hardware and Software: A Systematic Literature Review
Open-source hardware and software can create low-cost assistive technologies for disabled people, enhancing their quality of life and promoting accessibility and affordability.
Systematic ReviewAccessibility Advances Could Portend New Mass Technologies
DAISY, a consortium of organizations working to create accessible content, has the potential to revolutionize the way individuals with disabilities access information.
Enhancing Accessibility: A Comprehensive Study of Current Apps for Enabling Accessibility of Disabled Individuals in Buildings
A common evaluation and certification framework is needed to ensure consistency, reliability, and transparency in accessibility apps for disabled individuals in buildings.
Literature ReviewProceedings of the 10th International Conference on Software Development and Technologies for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion
This special section highlights the need for universal access solutions and assistive technologies to enhance accessibility and combat info-exclusion in ICTs for all users.
ICT Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities is crucial for social and economic development, and this article introduces universal design principles, assistive technology, accessibility, and relevant EU directives and standards.
Assistive Technology and Software to Support Accessibility
Assistive technology and software can improve digital accessibility, and libraries can play a key role in advocating for its integration into online library services.
Accessibility to digital technology: Virtual barriers, real opportunities
Digital accessibility for persons with disabilities requires a complex, dynamic effort involving training, hardware, software, content, and standards, to ensure its potential for inclusion.
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