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• Pictures in Your Mind: Using Interactive Gesture-Controlled Reliefs to Explore Art

  Andreas Reichinger, Helena Garcia Carrizosa, Joanna Wood, Svenja Schröder, Christian Löw, Laura Rosalia Luidolt, Maria Schimkowitsch, Anton Fuhrmann, Stefan Maierhofer, Werner Purgathofer · 2018 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (TACCESS)

  This paper presents an interactive audio guide (IAG) system that combines 3D-printed tactile reliefs with gesture-controlled, location-dependent audio descriptions to make visual art accessible to blind, visually impaired, and cognitively disabled users. Traditional tactile…

  tactile graphics · museum accessibility · blind and visually impaired · audio description · gesture interaction

• Making "Making" Accessible

  Amy Hurst · 2018 · Proceedings of the 15th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

  This keynote abstract presents Amy Hurst's research program on making DIY (Do-It-Yourself) assistive technology creation accessible to end-users, clinicians, and caregivers. The talk addresses a fundamental problem: a large percentage of assistive technologies end up unused or…

  DIY assistive technology · 3D printing · digital fabrication · assistive technology abandonment · maker movement

• Maritime Buoyage on 3D-Printed Tactile Maps

  Mathieu Simonnet, Serge Morvan, Dominique Marques, Olivier Ducruix, Arnaud Grancher, Sylvie Kerouedan · 2018 · Proceedings of the 20th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '18)

  This demonstration paper presents work from the Brest Bay Touch project to create 3D-printed maritime maps accessible to people with visual impairments, with a particular focus on representing sea marks (buoys, lighthouses, and other navigational aids) as tactile symbols. The…

  3D printing · tactile maps · visual impairment · spatial cognition · maritime accessibility

• Improving the Academic Inclusion of a Student with Special Needs at University Bordeaux

  John J. Kelway, Anke M. Brock, Pascal Guitton, Aurélie Millet, Yasushi Nakata · 2018 · Proceedings of the 20th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '18)

  This experience report describes a collaborative effort between accessibility researchers, student support services (PHASE), and a motor and speech-disabled student (YN) at the University of Bordeaux to improve his academic participation. YN, over 60 years old, acquired a severe…

  3D printing · assistive technology · text entry · motor disability · higher education

• A Demo of Talkit++: Interacting with 3D Printed Models Using an iOS Device

  Lei Shi, Zhuohao Zhang, Shiri Azenkot · 2018 · Proceedings of the 20th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2018)

  This Cornell Tech demo presents Talkit++, an iOS application that adds interactive multimedia labels to 3D printed tactile models for visually impaired students. Teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) increasingly use 3D printers to create tactile learning materials, but these…

  blindness · low vision · 3D printing · tactile accessibility · computer vision

• Autonomous Selection and Printing of 3D Models for People Who Are Blind

  Timo Götzelmann · 2018 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This paper addresses a significant autonomy gap: while 3D printed models are increasingly used in schools for blind students to understand spatial concepts through touch, the process of finding and printing these models has required sighted assistance. People who are blind could…

  blindness · visual impairment · 3D printing · tactile graphics · voice control

• Making Real-World Interfaces Accessible Through Crowdsourcing, Computer Vision, and Fabrication

  Anhong Guo, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2017 · Proceedings of the 14th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

  This demonstration paper presents two complementary systems designed to make inaccessible physical interfaces usable by blind people: VizLens and Facade. The research addresses a fundamental and long-standing accessibility problem — the vast majority of physical interfaces in…

  physical accessibility · computer vision · crowdsourcing · 3D printing · assistive technology

• Cyborg Pride: Self-Design in e-NABLE

  Peregrine Hawthorn, Daniel Ashbrook · 2017 · Proceedings of the 19th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS)

  This experience report documents the journey of Peregrine Hawthorn, born without fingers on his left hand, from being a recipient of a 3D-printed e-NABLE prosthetic hand to becoming an active designer, fabricator, and advocate for self-efficacy within the e-NABLE community.…

  3D printing · DIY assistive technology · prosthetics · disability identity · self-determination

• Designing Interactions for 3D Printed Models with Blind People

  Lei Shi, Yuhang Zhao, Shiri Azenkot · 2017 · Proceedings of the 19th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '17)

  This paper investigates how blind people explore 3D printed models and what interaction techniques they prefer for interactive 3D printed models (I3Ms) — physical models augmented with sensors that provide audio descriptions when touched. While 3D printing has become…

  3D printing · blindness · tactile perception · interaction design · participatory design

• Facade: Auto-generating Tactile Interfaces to Appliances

  Anhong Guo, Jeeeun Kim, Xiang "Anthony" Chen, Tom Yeh, Scott E. Hudson, Jennifer Mankoff, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2017 · Proceedings of the 2017 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2017)

  This paper introduces Facade, a crowdsourced fabrication pipeline that enables blind people to independently make flat-panel appliance interfaces accessible by generating 3D-printed tactile button overlays. The problem addressed is that modern appliances have shifted from…

  3D printing · tactile interface · blind users · crowdsourcing · fabrication

• Investigating the Implications of 3D Printing in Special Education

  Erin Buehler, Niara Comrie, Megan Hofmann, Samantha McDonald, Amy Hurst · 2016 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing (TACCESS)

  This paper investigates the use of 3D printing in special education settings through case studies at three sites serving students with cognitive, motor, and visual impairments, and presents GripFab, a simplified 3D modeling tool designed for occupational therapists (OTs) to…

  3D printing · digital fabrication · special education · assistive technology · DIY assistive technology

• Customizable 3D Printed Tactile Maps as Interactive Overlays

  Brandon Taylor, Anind Dey, Dan Siewiorek, Asim Smailagic · 2016 · Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '16)

  This paper presents an end-to-end system that enables visually impaired individuals to independently design, customize, and interact with 3D printed tactile maps. Traditional tactile map production has been limited by high costs (Braille embossers range from $1,800 to $80,000;…

  tactile maps · tactile graphics · 3D printing · visual impairment · navigation

• LucentMaps: 3D Printed Audiovisual Tactile Maps for Blind and Visually Impaired People

  Timo Götzelmann · 2016 · Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '16)

  This paper presents LucentMaps, a system for creating 3D printed transparent audiovisual tactile maps that work as interactive overlays on standard tablet computers and smartphones. Unlike most audio-tactile map approaches that focus exclusively on blind users, LucentMaps serves…

  tactile maps · tactile graphics · 3D printing · blindness · low vision

• Uncovering Challenges and Opportunities for 3D Printing Assistive Technology with Physical Therapists

  Samantha McDonald, Niara Comrie, Erin Buehler, Nicholas Carter, Braxton Dubin, Karen Gordes, Sandy McCombe-Waller, Amy Hurst · 2016 · Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '16)

  This paper investigates the feasibility and challenges of integrating 3D printing into physical therapy (PT) practice for creating customized assistive technology (AT). Physical therapists routinely modify standardized AT devices using temporary materials like Velcro, tape, and…

  3D printing · assistive technology · DIY assistive technology · physical disability · digital fabrication

• Magic Touch: Interacting with 3D Printed Graphics

  Lei Shi, Ross McLachlan, Yuhang Zhao, Shiri Azenkot · 2016 · ASSETS '16: Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  Magic Touch is a computer vision-based system that augments 3D printed tactile graphics with audio information, addressing a key limitation of physical models for blind users: while 3D printing can effectively convey shapes and textures, text annotations and labels are difficult…

  tactile graphics · 3D printing · computer vision · blind accessibility · audio labeling

• Gaze Typing Through Foot-Operated Wearable Device

  Vijay Rajanna · 2016 · ASSETS '16: Proceedings of the 18th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents a dwell-free gaze typing system that combines eye tracking with a foot-operated wearable device to enable text entry for people with motor impairments affecting arms or spine. Traditional gaze typing requires users to "dwell" (fixate) on virtual keyboard keys…

  gaze typing · eye tracking · wearable devices · foot interaction · motor impairment

• TactileMaps.net: A Web Interface for Generating Customized 3D-Printable Tactile Maps

  Brandon T. Taylor, Anind K. Dey, Dan P. Siewiorek, Asim Smailagic · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This demonstration paper presents TactileMaps.net, a web-based tool that enables visually impaired users to independently generate customized 3D-printable tactile maps. Tactile maps are valuable tools for helping blind individuals understand their environment, but traditionally…

  visual impairment · tactile graphics · 3D printing · maps · wayfinding

• Exploring New Paradigms for Accessible 3D Printed Graphs

  Michele Hu · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper explores novel approaches to representing bar graphs for blind users using 3D printing technology, moving beyond traditional flat tactile graphics. Traditional tactile graphics (created with swell paper, embossers, or thermoform) use raised lines and textures on flat…

  visual impairment · tactile graphics · 3D printing · data visualization · STEM education

• Transcribing Across the Senses: Community Efforts to Create 3D Printable Accessible Tactile Pictures for Young Children with Visual Impairments

  Abigale Stangl, Chia-Lo Hsu, Tom Yeh · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This formative study investigates how different stakeholder communities approach designing 3D printable accessible tactile pictures (3DP-ATPs) for young children with visual impairments. While 3D printing offers potential to democratize tactile material production—traditionally…

  3D printing · tactile graphics · visual impairment · children · emergent literacy

• Inclusion and Education: 3D Printing for Integrated Classrooms

  Erin Buehler, William Easley, Samantha McDonald, Niara Comrie, Amy Hurst · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This research addresses the severe employment gap facing adults with intellectual disabilities (ID)—over 60% unemployment versus roughly 25% for the general population—by exploring whether 3D printing skills can be taught in integrated postsecondary settings. The study is…

  intellectual disability · 3D printing · inclusive education · postsecondary education · employability

• Talkabel: A Labeling Method for 3D Printed Models

  Lei Shi · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This poster paper presents Talkabel, a low-cost labeling system that makes 3D printed models accessible to blind users by enabling them to access spoken labels through simple taps on tactile markers. Three-dimensional models are valuable educational tools for blind learners,…

  blindness · 3D printing · tactile graphics · acoustic sensing · machine learning

• Making Connections: Modular 3D Printing for Designing Assistive Attachments to Prosthetic Devices

  Megan Kelly Hofmann · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This doctoral consortium abstract presents a modular design methodology for creating affordable, customized 3D-printed assistive attachments for prosthetic limbs. The approach addresses a key limitation of current assistive technology: highly customized devices are expensive to…

  3D printing · prosthetics · assistive technology · rapid prototyping · modular design

• Haptic 3D Surface Representation of Table-Based Data for People With Visual Impairments

  Jonas Braier, Katharina Lattenkamp, Benjamin Räthel, Sandra Schering, Michael Wojatzki, Benjamin Weyers · 2014 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This paper introduces "relief charts"—3D surface representations of standard data visualizations (bar graphs, pie charts, scatter plots, radar charts) designed to make complex tabular data accessible to people with visual impairments. The approach is grounded in neuroscientific…

  visual impairment · haptic interfaces · data visualization · inclusive education · 3D printing

• Tactile Aids for Visually Impaired Graphical Design Education

  Samantha McDonald, Joshua Dutterer, Ali Abdolrahmani, Shaun K. Kane, Amy Hurst · 2014 · Proceedings of the 16th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility (ASSETS 2014)

  This demonstration paper describes the creation of over 10 tactile aids using laser cutting and 3D printing to make graphic design theory accessible to a visually impaired student enrolled in an introduction to human-centered computing class at UMBC. The course unit covered…

  visual impairment · tactile graphics · 3D printing · rapid prototyping · education

• ABC and 3D: Opportunities and Obstacles to 3D Printing in Special Education Environments

  Erin Buehler, Shaun K. Kane, Amy Hurst · 2014 · Proceedings of the 16th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility (ASSETS 2014)

  This paper presents a formative study exploring how 3D printing can support special education across three diverse sites: a school for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities (Site A), a school for blind and visually impaired students (Site B), and the technology…

  3D printing · special education · assistive technology · digital fabrication · STEM education