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• Access Is Not Enough: Toward Developmental Flourishing

  Yuanyang (YY) Teng, Darren Gergle · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '26)

  Teng and Gergle (Northwestern University) present an opinion paper arguing that the dominant 'access' framing in accessibility research - measuring success through task completion and outcome equivalence within visual-first activities - is fundamentally insufficient. They…

  accessibility theory · assistive technology · blind and low vision · flourishing · disability studies

• Sona: Towards Context-Aware, Real-Time Personalization of Acoustic Environments for Noise Sensitivity

  Jeremy Zhengqi Huang, Emani Hicks, Sidharth, Gillian R Hayes, Dhruv Jain · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '26)

  Huang and colleagues (University of Michigan and UC Irvine) reframe acoustic accessibility for people with noise sensitivity as selective, user-steerable soundscape mediation rather than wholesale noise cancellation. The authors argue that current commercial tools - active noise…

  noise sensitivity · misophonia · hyperacusis · autism · neurodivergence

• NarrAid: Supporting Storytelling of People with Aphasia via Generative Visual Scene Displays

  Xiangfei Hu, Xiuqi Zheng, Qi Liu, Zejian Li, Ying Zhang, Lu Wang, Xipei Ren · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’26)

  NarrAid is a generative AI-driven Visual Scene Display (VSD) system designed to support storytelling, not just basic wants and needs, for people with aphasia (PWA). The authors argue that existing AAC tools, including traditional VSDs, support functional communication well but…

  aphasia · augmentative and alternative communication · visual scene display · storytelling · generative AI

• SocialCue: Exploring the Design Space of Social Wayfinding Assistants for Blind and Low Vision People

  Veronica Bossio Botero, Sidharth Sharma, Ruoyu Iris Xu, Lisa Maria DiSalvo, Ritvik Sharma, Brian A. Smith · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’26)

  SocialCue is a wearable technology probe that targets a problem most assistive navigation work ignores: not where to walk, but how to read and act inside an unfolding social scene. The authors argue that existing tools for blind and low vision (BLV) people focus on spatial…

  blind and low vision · social navigation · wayfinding · wearable technology · computer vision

• VisionAid: A Multimodal Assistive Application Supporting Safe Road Navigation for Visually Impaired People in Bangladesh

  Asif Mahbub, Nabil Bin Hannan · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’26)

  VisionAid is an Android pedestrian-safety app for blind and low vision (BLV) users in Bangladesh, where road crossing is dangerous because traffic is unstructured: lane discipline is rare, drivers run signals, and crosswalks are inconsistent. The authors argue that…

  blind and low vision · pedestrian navigation · mobile accessibility · computer vision · haptic feedback

• Demonstrating Eyes-Free Object Retrieval via Fingertip Deflection Guidance Using the NURing

  Tomasz P. Trzpit, Gregory Reardon, Elizabeth Gerber, Pedro Lopes, Michael Peshkin, J. Edward Colgate · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’26)

  This CHI 2026 Extended Abstract is an interactive-demo paper introducing a vision-enabled version of NURing, a tendon-driven wearable ring that guides reach by gently deflecting the wearer’s fingertip. The authors frame the work around a recurring report from blind and…

  haptic feedback · kinesthetic feedback · wearable technology · blindness · visual impairment

• "It only needs to work for one of us": Rethinking DIY Deaf Tech Through Situated Co-Design

  Shuxu Huffman, Robin Angelini, Raja Kushalnagar, Katta Spiel · 2025 · Proceedings of the 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '25)

  This experience report documents how a Deaf open water swimmer (Huffman, the first author) and their hearing kayak partner collaboratively designed and built DeafSwim, a vibration-based communication system for use during long-distance open water swims. The kayaker accompanies…

  deaf and hard of hearing · assistive technology · DIY assistive technology · co-design · participatory design

• Characterizing Visual Intents for People with Low Vision through Eye Tracking

  Ru Wang, Ruijia Chen, Anqiao Erica Cai, Zhiyuan Li, Sanbrita Mondal, Yuhang Zhao · 2025 · Proceedings of the 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2025)

  This study investigates how people with low vision use their gaze when viewing images, with the goal of understanding their visual intents — the immediate, in-the-moment goals behind their eye movements. While assistive technologies like magnifiers and contrast enhancement exist…

  low vision · eye tracking · visual intent · gaze behavior · assistive technology

• AmblyOverlay: An Input-Transparent, Assistive Overlay for Binocular Visual Therapy and Dichoptic Filtering

  Pooja Thaker · 2025 · Proceedings of the 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2025)

  AmblyOverlay is a proof-of-concept software tool that applies dichoptic color filters to any application window in real time, enabling binocular vision therapy during ordinary computer use — particularly gaming. The system targets people with amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus…

  amblyopia · visual therapy · dichoptic vision · assistive technology · binocular vision

• SignStreamNet: Streaming Sign Language Video-to-Text Translation for Accessibility

  Warfa Ahmed · 2025 · Proceedings of the 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2025)

  This paper introduces SignStreamNet, a hybrid neural network architecture designed to translate sign language video into written text in near real-time. The system addresses a fundamental accessibility barrier: over 70 million Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) people worldwide rely…

  sign language translation · deaf and hard of hearing · real-time translation · deep learning · computer vision

• Probing the Gaps in ChatGPT's Live Video Chat for Real-World Assistance for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired

  Ruei-Che Chang, Rosiana Natalie, Wenqian Xu, Jovan Zheng Feng Yap, Anhong Guo · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper evaluates ChatGPT's Advanced Voice with Video feature — OpenAI's state-of-the-art live video AI released in December 2024 — as a real-world assistive tool for blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals. The researchers conducted an in-person exploratory study with…

  blind · visually impaired · large multimodal models · live video · ChatGPT

• Executive Dysfunction by Design: A Cognitive Accessibility Analysis of AI Support vs. Healthcare Barriers

  Meredith Moore · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This first-person autoethnographic experience report examines the paradox of how generative AI tools have become effective assistive technology for executive dysfunction while healthcare systems designed to provide ADHD treatment actively undermine the cognitive functions they…

  executive dysfunction · cognitive accessibility · ADHD · generative AI · assistive technology

• Smart Glasses for CVI: Co-Designing Extended Reality Solutions to Support Environmental Perception by People with Cerebral Visual Impairment

  Bhanuka Gamage, Nicola McDowell, Dijana Kovacic, Leona Holloway, Thanh-Toan Do, Arthur James Lowery, Nicholas Price, Kim Marriott · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents the first co-design study developing and evaluating smart glasses as an assistive platform for adults with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). CVI is set to become the leading cause of vision impairment, yet it remains dramatically underrepresented in assistive…

  cerebral visual impairment · CVI · smart glasses · extended reality · augmented reality

• Investigating 'Touch and Talk' for Blind and Low Vision People: Science Communication Assistance Through Exploring Multiple Tactile Objects

  Ayaka Tsutsui, Xiyue Wang, Hironobu Takagi, Chieko Asakawa · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates how interactive dialogue and multiple tactile 3D models can enhance science communication for blind and low vision (BLV) users. The research addresses a gap in existing tactile learning tools: most Interactive 3D Models (I3Ms) rely on pre-defined audio…

  tactile graphics · blind and low vision · science communication · 3D printed models · multimodal interaction

• Tactile Data Comics: Combining Step-by-step Presentation of Tactile Graphics with Verbal Narration for the Blind and Visually Impaired

  Yang Jiao, Ruoting Sun, Rong Luo, Xiwen Yao, Xinran She, Kotaro Hara, Yuewen Zhang, Xinyi Fu · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper introduces tactile data comics, a novel presentation method that combines step-by-step dynamic tactile graphics on a refreshable tactile display (RTD) with synchronized verbal narration to improve comprehension for blind and visually impaired students. Drawing…

  tactile graphics · refreshable tactile display · blind education · multimodal learning · data comics

• Navigating STEM Doctoral Programs with ADHD: Barriers, Workflow Challenges, and Adaptive Strategies

  Paul Ezeamii, Kristen Shinohara · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates how PhD students with ADHD navigate the structural barriers of STEM doctoral programs through a mixed-methods study with 13 participants. The research addresses a significant gap: while the 2023 Survey of Earned Doctorates reported only 130 computing PhD…

  ADHD · neurodiversity · cognitive accessibility · graduate education · executive function

• "I can't just Google it": Technology Needs of Adult Braille Learners

  Quan Zhou · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This extended abstract investigates the overlooked challenges and technology needs of sighted adults who learn braille, specifically Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) and parents of blind children. While substantial research exists on braille learning for blind…

  braille literacy · visual impairment · education · teachers of students with visual impairments · adult learning

• Life as an International Computer Science PhD Student with Cerebral Palsy

  Tianchi Mo, Humphrey Curtis, Timothy Neate · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents a longitudinal autoethnographic study of Tianchi, an international PhD student with cerebral palsy (CP) navigating the final stages of his doctoral journey in Computer Science at Stony Brook University. Born in China in 1990, Tianchi experienced medical…

  cerebral palsy · autoethnography · assistive technology · augmentative and alternative communication · graduate education

• Leveraging Dynamic Audio-Tactile UIs to Assist Visually Impaired Users in Exploring Line Charts through Tactile Graphic Readers

  Gaspar Ramôa, Karin Müller · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents the Melodic Line Tracing Exploration UI, a novel dynamic audio-tactile user interface designed to help blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals interpret complex line charts through tactile graphic readers. The research addresses a significant gap: while…

  data visualization · tactile graphics · sonification · audio-tactile interface · blindness and visual impairment

• Toward a Multi-layer Framework to Assess the Quality of Life Impact of Smartphones as Assistive Technology for People with Sensory Disabilities in Kenya

  Maryam Bandukda, Lan Xiao, Giulia Barbareschi, Philip Oyier, Henry Athiany, Raul Szekely, Wallace M Karuguti, Mwangi J Matheri MJM, Victoria Austin, Catherine Holloway · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents the first longitudinal mixed-methods study investigating the impact of smartphones as assistive technology on the quality of life (QoL) of blind or partially sighted (BPS) and deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) individuals in Kenya. The study involved 193…

  smartphones · assistive technology · Global South · Kenya · blindness and visual impairment

• Modeling Accessibility: Characterizing What We Mean by "Accessible"

  Kelly Avery Mack, Jesse J Martinez, Aaleyah Lewis, Jennifer Mankoff, James Fogarty, Leah Findlater, Heather D. Evans, Cynthia L Bennett, Emma J McDonnell · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper tackles a fundamental gap in accessibility research: the field lacks a clear, shared characterization of what "accessibility" actually means. While accessibility research aims to use technology to make the world more accessible to disabled people, the concept itself…

  accessibility theory · models of disability · intersectionality · assistive technology · disability justice

• XRMusic4VIP: Enabling Simultaneous Sheet Music Reading and Playing for Visually Impaired Musicians through Extended Reality

  Julia Anken, Delia Blaess, Karin Müller · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper addresses a largely unexplored challenge in music accessibility: enabling visually impaired musicians to simultaneously read sheet music and play keyboard instruments. While assistive technologies for visually impaired musicians exist—including magnification tools,…

  extended reality · visual impairment · music accessibility · assistive technology · augmented reality

• Access Beyond the Score: Understanding Notation Needs and Workflows of Low Vision Musicians

  William Christopher Payne, Yu Lee An · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates how musicians with low vision acquire, adapt, and use music notation, an area that has received far less research attention than Braille Music for blind musicians. Through semi-structured interviews with 16 low vision musicians and 2 sighted Teachers of…

  low vision · music accessibility · notation · Modified Stave Notation · Braille Music

• Engaging Visually Impaired People in Science Museums Through an Immersive Workshop: Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities

  Xiyue Wang, Seita Kayukawa, Hironobu Takagi, Chieko Asakawa · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper investigates how science museums can become more accessible to visually impaired visitors through the design and evaluation of an immersive, tactile workshop. Conducted at Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in Tokyo, the research…

  museum accessibility · science education · blindness · low vision · tactile learning

• FocusView: Understanding and Customizing Informational Video Watching Experiences for Viewers with ADHD

  Hanxiu Hazel Zhu, Ruijia Chen, Yuhang Zhao · 2025 · ASSETS 2025: 27th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents FocusView, an AI-powered video customization interface designed to help viewers with ADHD reduce distractions and maintain focus when watching informational videos. The research addresses the critical gap that while videos have become a dominant medium for…

  ADHD · video accessibility · video customization · distraction reduction · cognitive accessibility