A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF INNOVATIONS, PREFERENCES, AND DEFICIENCIES ASSOCIATED WITH TECHNOLOGY FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS
Open Access
Author:
Egan, Emily Lynn
Area of Honors:
Information Sciences and Technology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
John Millar Carroll, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Steven Raymond Haynes, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Assistive Technology Visual Impairment IST
Abstract:
The technology revolution has dramatically impacted all of our lives. For visually
impaired persons the emergence of assistive technology has created more opportunity and
allowed for greater independence. However, there is still a long way to go. Unfortunately, not
every product that is developed for people with visual impairment is ultimately adopted by the
community. This paper explores assistive technology in four categories: navigation,
education/occupation, social collaboration, and everyday tasks. It is vital to understand the needs
and preferences of the visually impaired in order to make the technology more useful. This paper
will explore current technology use and shortcomings for visually impaired persons, as well as
future technology developments, and will incorporate new insights that were gained through
interviews with members of the visually impaired community.
