Evaluating the universal navigator with blind and partially sighted consumers

2013 ◽  
pp. 355-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Day ◽  
M Carlisle ◽  
E Chandler ◽  
G Ferguson
Keyword(s):  
Partially Sighted

scholarly journals Stories, journeys and smart maps: an approach to universal access

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Wang ◽  
Danny Crookes ◽  
Sue-Ann Harding ◽  
David Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Universal Access ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Emotional Engagement ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Reception Study ◽  
Audio Description ◽  
Museum Experience ◽  
Interactive Map ◽  
Partially Sighted

AbstractThis paper proposes a new approach to universal access based on the premise that humans have the universal capacity to engage emotionally with a story, whatever their ability. Our approach is to present the “story” of museum resources and knowledge as a journey, and then represent this journey physically as a smart map. The key research question is to assess the extent to which our “story” to journey to smart map’ (SJSM) approach provides emotional engagement as part of the museum experience. This approach is applied through the creation of a smart map for blind and partially sighted (BPS) visitors. Made in partnership with Titanic Belfast, a world-leading tourist attraction, the interactive map tells the story of Titanic’s maiden voyage. The smart map uses low-cost technologies such as laser-cut map features and software-controlled multi-function buttons for the audio description (AD). The AD is enhanced with background effects, dramatized personal stories and the ship’s last messages. The results of a reception study show that the approach enabled BPS participants to experience significant emotional engagement with museum resources. The smart model also gave BPS users a level of control over the AD which gave them a greater sense of empowerment and independence, which is particularly important for BPS visitors with varying sight conditions. We conclude that our SJSM approach has considerable potential as an approach to universal access, and to increase emotional engagement with museum collections. We also propose several developments which could further extend the approach and its implementation.

scholarly journals A survey of the number of legally blind university physics students in Canada during 2003–2013

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Alan J. Slavin
Keyword(s):  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Physics Students ◽  
Laboratory Courses ◽  
University Physics ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Partially Sighted ◽  
Accessible Price ◽  
Blind Students

Over the last few years, video assistive apparatus has become available at an accessible price that will allow students who have limited vision to participate almost fully in many laboratory courses at university. This paper presents a survey of the number of legally blind university physics students in Canada for the period 2003 to 2013. It will act as a benchmark to measure the effectiveness, in laboratory courses, of recent legislation mandating the provision of assistive devices in educational institutions. The survey was sent to all 52 physics departments at institutions in Canada that grant physics degrees, with all but one of the departments replying. None knew of any legally blind physicists practising in Canada. The only legally blind physics students reported were one partially sighted student who was awarded a Ph.D. in 2001, and one currently at Trent University. The survey results show that of the 12.5% of blind students who hold university degrees in Canada, very few of them are in physics.

Cognitive Mapping by the Blind

1978 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 297-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Casey
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
School Students ◽  
Congenitally Blind ◽  
Tactile Maps ◽  
Blind Persons ◽  
Partially Sighted ◽  
Blind Students

In an effort to study the cognitive mapping abilities of blind persons, tactile maps of a school campus were made by ten congenitally blind and ten blindfolded partially sighted high school students. Although some blind students made well-organized and accurate maps of the campus, most of the maps made by the congenitally blind subjects were poorly organized and integrated as compared with maps made by the blindfolded partially sighted subjects. Blind persons exhibit varying methods for categorizing the elements of a large environment, and the method of cognitive mapping is believed to be related to how well a person can negotiate within the environment.

Approaches to Increasing Assertive Behavior and Communication Skills in Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

1986 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 794-798
Author(s):  
Rona L. Harrell ◽  
Felice A. Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Learned Helplessness ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Blind And Visually Impaired ◽  
Assertive Behavior ◽  
Structured Intervention ◽  
Impaired Person ◽  
Assertion Training ◽  
Partially Sighted ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

Many visually impaired individuals are found to be too passive or too aggressive in their social interactions. Lack of assertive behavior is related to the concept of learned helplessness. Components of assertive behavior are described with suggestions for enabling the visually impaired person to develop these skills. The underlying concepts of assertion training are explained along with specific techniques to be utilized in the school or rehabilitative setting. With a structured intervention resulting in improved assertiveness skills, blind or partially sighted individuals can increase their effectiveness in communicating with others and can feel more in control of their lives.

The Influence of Visual Impairment on Physical Fitness Test Performance

1986 ◽  
Vol 80 (5) ◽  
pp. 729-731
Author(s):  
Francis X. Short ◽  
Joseph P. Winnick
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Physical Fitness Test ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Test Items ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Partially Sighted

The Project UNIQUE Physical Fitness Test was administered to 686 normally sighted and 484 visually impaired subjects in the 10-17 age range. Significant differences favoring the normally sighted were found for each of the six test items. The severity of the visual impairment was a significant factor on the two running items. Partially sighted subjects made better scores than legally blind subjects on the 50-yard dash and long-distance run. No significant differences between partially sighted and blind subjects were found for the non-running items in the test battery (skinfolds, grip strength, sit-ups and sit and reach). Findings suggested that, depending upon the purpose of the assessment, physical fitness test scores of the visually impaired generally should be compared to specially designed norms and that, on the running items, separate norms should be utilized for the blind and partially sighted.

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