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• Accessible Texts for Autism: An Eye-Tracking Study

  Victoria Yaneva, Irina Temnikova, Ruslan Mitkov · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This pioneering study is the first to use eye-tracking technology with autistic participants to evaluate text document accessibility. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder experience difficulties with reading comprehension—including processing complex sentences, understanding…

  autism · ASD · eye tracking · reading comprehension · easy-read

• SlidePacer: Improving Class Pace for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

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

  This short paper from Rochester Institute of Technology introduces SlidePacer, a prototype tool designed to synchronize PowerPoint slide transitions with sign language interpretation in university classrooms. The paper addresses a fundamental challenge for deaf and…

  deaf accessibility · sign language interpreters · education · classroom accessibility · multimedia learning

• Usage of Subjective Scales in Accessibility Research

  Shari Trewin, Diogo Marques, Tiago Guerreiro · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This methodological paper investigates whether positive response bias affects subjective ratings in accessibility research—a critical concern given that Likert-type items are widely used to evaluate assistive technologies. The authors pursued two complementary approaches: a…

  research methodology · Likert scales · response bias · usability testing · accessibility research

• How 3D Virtual Humans Built by Adolescents with ASD Affect Their 3D Interactions

  Chao Mei, Lee Mason, John Quarles · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This research investigates whether allowing adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to customize the appearance of virtual humans in a 3D training game improves their interaction performance and user experience. The authors developed "Imagination Soccer," a Kinect-based…

  autism spectrum disorder · virtual reality · customization · hand-eye coordination · training games

• Comparing Methods of Displaying Language Feedback for Student Videos of American Sign Language

  Matt Huenerfauth, Elaine Gale, Brian Penly, Mackenzie Willard, Dhananjai Hariharan · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This research investigates how to effectively provide feedback to students learning American Sign Language (ASL), specifically comparing different methods of presenting information about errors and correct usage in their signing videos. The work is motivated by an urgent…

  American Sign Language · ASL · deaf education · language learning · video feedback

• Using In-Situ Projection to Support Cognitively Impaired Workers at the Workplace

  Markus Funk, Sven Mayer, Albrecht Schmidt · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This research investigates whether projecting assembly instructions directly onto a workspace (in-situ projection) can help cognitively impaired workers complete more complex tasks compared to traditional pictorial instructions. The work addresses a significant barrier to…

  cognitive disability · workplace accessibility · augmented reality · in-situ projection · sheltered work

• Tracked Speech-To-Text Display: Enhancing Accessibility and Readability of Real-Time Speech-To-Text

  Raja S. Kushalnagar, Gary W. Behm, Aaron W. Kelstone, Shareef Ali · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This research addresses a subtle but significant barrier facing deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students in educational settings: visual dispersion. While hearing students can simultaneously watch lecture visuals (slides, demonstrations, whiteboard) and listen to the speaker's…

  deaf and hard of hearing · speech-to-text · CART · captioning · education

• An Enhanced Electrolarynx with Automatic Fundamental Frequency Control based on Statistical Prediction

  Kou Tanaka, Tomoki Toda, Graham Neubig, Sakriani Sakti, Satoshi Nakamura · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This demonstration paper presents a prototype system that enhances electrolarynx speech by automatically controlling pitch (fundamental frequency, or F0) using statistical prediction. An electrolarynx is a speaking aid device used by laryngectomees—people who have had their…

  electrolarynx · laryngectomy · speech synthesis · assistive technology · voice prosthesis

• Haptic Gloves Prototype for Audio-Tactile Web Browsing

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

  This paper presents preliminary work on FeelX, a haptic gloves system designed to enable blind users to explore web page layouts through touch. The research addresses a fundamental limitation of screen readers: they present web content serially, creating a one-dimensional mental…

  blindness · haptic interface · web accessibility · screen reader · tactile display

• ASL CLeaR: STEM Education Tools for Deaf Students

  Jeanne Reis, Erin T. Solovey, Jon Henner, Kathleen Johnson, Robert Hoffmeister · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This demonstration paper introduces ASL CLeaR (American Sign Language STEM Concept Learning Resource), a free online educational platform designed to address a critical gap in STEM education for deaf and hard of hearing students. The authors identify a fundamental problem: deaf…

  deaf · hard of hearing · American Sign Language · STEM education · educational technology

• 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

• Sequential Gestural Passcodes on Google Glass

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

  This poster paper presents a prototype authentication system using Google Glass to help people with visual impairments access online accounts while protecting against shoulder surfing attacks. The author identifies two intersecting problems: blind users face difficulties…

  blindness · authentication · security · wearable computing · gesture interaction

• ChartMaster: A Tool for Interacting with Stock Market Charts using a Screen Reader

  Hong Zou, Jutta Treviranus · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper presents ChartMaster, a tool enabling screen reader users to query interactive stock market charts, developed through an inclusive co-design process with visually impaired participants. The authors frame the problem in economic terms: 1.3 billion people with…

  blindness · screen reader · data visualization · financial literacy · inclusive design

• Nonvisual Access to an Interactive Electric Field Simulation: Work in Progress

  Clayton Lewis, Derek Riemer · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This demonstration paper presents work-in-progress on making the PhET Project's Radiating Charge physics simulation accessible to blind users through audio representation. The PhET Project offers over 130 interactive science simulations downloaded more than 75 million times…

  blindness · sonification · STEM education · interactive simulation · inclusive design

• Towards Efficacy-Centered Game Design Patterns For Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Data-Driven Approach

  Jinghui Cheng, Cynthia Putnam, Doris C. Rusch · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper presents a data-driven methodology for generating game design patterns specific to brain injury (BI) rehabilitation, addressing a communication gap between game designers and therapists. Brain injury affects approximately 6.4 million US children and adults, causing…

  brain injury · rehabilitation · game design · serious games · design patterns

• Disability and Technology: A Critical Realist Perspective

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

  This theoretical paper argues that assistive technology (AT) research typically operates from a reductionist philosophical position, matching functional needs with technological opportunities while failing to address the full complexity of disabled experience. The author…

  disability studies · philosophy · critical realism · medical model · social model

• A Spellchecker for Dyslexia

  Luz Rello, Miguel Ballesteros, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper introduces Real Check, a spellchecker designed specifically to detect real-word errors—spelling mistakes that result in unintended but valid words (e.g., "form" instead of "from"). While dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population and is the most frequent…

  dyslexia · spelling · natural language processing · real-word errors · assistive technology

• "But, I don't take steps": Examining the Inaccessibility of Fitness Trackers for Wheelchair Athletes

  Patrick Carrington, Kevin Chang, Helena Mentis, Amy Hurst · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper investigates why wheelchair athletes show low adoption of wearable fitness trackers despite interest in tracking physical activity. The authors interviewed five wheelchair athletes (participating in hand cycling, rugby, basketball, and tennis) and three physical and…

  wheelchair · adaptive sports · fitness tracking · wearable computing · Quantified Self

• Exploring the Opportunities and Challenges with Exercise Technologies for People who are Blind or Low-Vision

  Kyle Rector, Lauren Milne, Richard E. Ladner, Batya Friedman, Julie A. Kientz · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper employs Value Sensitive Design (VSD) to explore opportunities and challenges for exercise technologies designed for people who are blind or low-vision. People with visual impairments are more likely to be obese, maintain inadequate fitness levels, and exercise less…

  blindness · low vision · exercise · exergames · Value Sensitive Design

• Understanding the Challenges Faced by Neurodiverse Software Engineering Employees

  Meredith Ringel Morris, Andrew Begel, Ben Wiedermann · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper presents pioneering research into the workplace experiences of neurodiverse software developers, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 neurodiverse individuals working in software…

  neurodiversity · autism spectrum · ADHD · dyslexia · workplace accessibility

• 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

• Getting Smartphones to Talkback: Understanding the Smartphone Adoption Process of Blind Users

  André Rodrigues, Kyle Montague, Hugo Nicolau, Tiago Guerreiro · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper presents an eight-week longitudinal study investigating how novice blind users adopt touchscreen smartphones, transitioning from traditional feature phones. The researchers recruited five legally blind participants (ages 23-55) who had never used a touchscreen…

  blindness · screen readers · mobile accessibility · TalkBack · smartphone adoption

• A Unifying Notification System To Scale Up Assistive Services

  Charles Consel, Lucile Dupuy, Hélène Sauzéon · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper addresses a fundamental scalability problem in assistive technology for older adults: the "silo-based" approach where each assistive service (pill reminders, door monitors, activity trackers) implements its own notification system. When older adults need multiple…

  aging · assisted living · notification systems · cognitive accessibility · smart home

• Faster Text-to-Speeches: Enhancing Blind People's Information Scanning with Faster Concurrent Speech

  João Guerreiro, Daniel Gonçalves · 2015 · ASSETS '15: Proceedings of the 17th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers & Accessibility

  This paper investigates how blind users can scan digital information more efficiently by comparing two approaches: increasing speech rate (the traditional method) versus using concurrent speech (multiple simultaneous voices). The research leverages the "Cocktail Party…

  blindness · screen readers · text-to-speech · speech rate · concurrent speech

• Iterative Design and Field Trial of an Aphasia-Friendly Email Tool

  Abdullah Al Mahmud, Jean-Bernard Martens · 2015 · ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing

  This paper presents Amail, an email client specifically designed for people with aphasia—an acquired communication disorder typically caused by stroke that affects language comprehension and expression. Unlike existing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) tools that…

  aphasia · augmentative and alternative communication · email · field study · cognitive accessibility