| 1. |
- Innala Ahlmark, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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An Initial Field Trial of a Haptic Navigation System for Persons with a Visual Impairment
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - 1754-9450 .- 2042-8723. ; 9:4, s. 199-206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe conceptions of feasibility of a haptic navigation system for persons with a visual impairment (VI). Design/methodology/approach– Six persons with a VI who were white cane users were tasked with traversing a predetermined route in a corridor environment using the haptic navigation system. To see whether white cane experience translated to using the system, the participants received no prior training. The procedures were video-recorded, and the participants were interviewed about their conceptions of using the system. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis, where inductively generated codes that emerged from the data were clustered together and formulated into categories. Findings– The participants quickly figured out how to use the system, and soon adopted their own usage technique. Despite this, locating objects was difficult. The interviews highlighted the desire to be able to feel at a distance, with several scenarios presented to illustrate current problems. The participants noted that their previous white cane experience helped, but that it nevertheless would take a lot of practice to master using this system. The potential for the device to increase security in unfamiliar environments was mentioned. Practical problems with the prototype were also discussed, notably the lack of auditory feedback. Originality/value– One novel aspect of this field trial is the way it was carried out. Prior training was intentionally not provided, which means that the findings reflect immediate user experiences. The findings confirm the value of being able to perceive things beyond the range of the white cane; at the same time, the participants expressed concerns about that ability. Another key feature is that the prototype should be seen as a navigation aid rather than an obstacle avoidance device, despite the interaction similarities with the white cane. As such, the intent is not to replace the white cane as a primary means of detecting obstacles.
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| 2. |
- Innala Ahlmark, Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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Presentation of Spatial Information in Navigation Aids for the Visually Impaired
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - 1754-9450 .- 2042-8723. ; 9:3, s. 174-181
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present some guidelines on how different means of information presentation can be used when conveying spatial information non-visually. The aim is to further the understanding of the qualities navigation aids for visually impaired individuals should possess.Design/methodology/approach: A background in non-visual spatial perception is provided, and existing commercial and non-commercial navigation aids are examined from a user interaction perspective, based on how individuals with a visual impairment perceive and understand space.Findings: The discussions on non-visual spatial perception and navigation aids lead to some user interaction design suggestions. Originality/value: This paper examines navigation aids from the perspective of non-visual spatial perception. The presented design suggestions can serve as basic guidelines for the design of such solutions.
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| 3. |
- Magnusson, Lennart, et al.
(författare)
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Extended safety and support systems for people with dementia living at home
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1754-9450 .- 2042-8723. ; 8:4, s. 188-206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the complexity surrounding the implementation of advanced electronic tracking, communication and emergency response technologies, namely, an extended safety and support (ESS) system for people with dementia (pwd) living at home. Results are presented from a Swedish demonstration study (2011-2012) conducted in 24 municipalities.Design/methodology/approach– It is a descriptive intervention study with a pre-post test design. Questionnaires were administered to pwd, carers and professionals at the outset and eight months later. ESS logging data were analyzed.Findings– ESS usage rates varied widely. A total of 650 alerts were triggered, mainly when the pwd was outdoors. Activities were reduced amongst pwd, most likely due to a progression of their disease. Carers noted that pwd were more independent than previously on those occasions when they engaged in outdoor activities. Staff considered that nearly half of pwd could remain living at home due to the ESS, compared with a third amongst carers. In total, 50 per cent of carers felt it was justified to equip their relative with an ESS without their explicit consent, compared to one in eight staff.Research limitations/implications– A limitation is the amount of missing data and high drop- out rates. Researchers should recruit pwd earlier in their illness trajectory. A mixed-methods approach to data collection is advisable.Practical implications– Carers played a crucial role in the adoption of ESS. Staff training/supervision about assistive devices and services is recommended.Social implications– Overall, use of ESS for pwd living at home was not an ethical problem.Originality/value– The study included key stakeholder groups and a detailed ethical analysis was conducted.
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| 4. |
- Brodin, Jane, 1942-, et al.
(författare)
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ICT and Inclusive education in primary schools : pupils with motor disabilities
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - 1754-9450. ; Vol 2:Issue 3
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The article is based on a study aimed at ascertain whether information and communication technology (ICT) can be used as an integrating link for children with motor disabilities in primary school. The study is based on classroom observations and questionnaires. The result shows that ICT is not used in a way, which enhances inclusion. One reason is that the schools strong focus on learning, another that limited efforts have been put on communication and collaborative work between the pupils.
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| 5. |
- Brodin, Jane, et al.
(författare)
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ICT and inclusive education in primary schools ‐ pupils with motor disabilities
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - : Emerald. - 1754-9450. ; 2:3, s. 16-23
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper is based on a study aimed at ascertaining whether information and communication technology (ICT) can be used as an integrating link for children with motor disabilities in primary school. The study includes an introductory questionnaire with parents of 16 children and observations in the classrooms of five pupils attending a school in a small town in Sweden. In this article inclusion is exemplified with one of these pupils. The results of this study show agreement with other research that the computer, which often symbolises the whole ICT field, is used as a pedagogical tool for learning at school. However, it is difficult to see whether ICT is used in a way that enhances inclusion, an overall goal for many people with disabilities in today's society. One reason for this is the school's strong focus on learning, another that limited efforts have been put into communication and collaborative work between the pupils.
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| 6. |
- Thunberg, Gunilla, 1960, et al.
(författare)
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Autism, communication and use of a speech-generating device in different environments – a case study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Assistive Technologies. - : Emerald. - 1754-9450. ; 5:4, s. 181-198
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – This paper aims to examine interaction patterns in two activities at home and one activity at school when a seven-year-old boy with autism and learning disabilities was supplied with a speech-generating device (SGD). Design/methodology/approach – Activity-based communication analysis (ACA) was used as the basis for analysing and discussing of communicative behaviours in video recordings made before and during SGD intervention. The coded communicative behaviours were engagement in activity, role in turn-taking and communicative form, function and effectiveness. Conversational topics were also analysed. Findings – Activity characteristics seemed important for the outcome. In the two more structured activities (story reading at home and morning circle at school), the child could use the SGD to communicate more effectively within the given frames. During mealtime at home, topic length increased and the instruction to the parents to also use the SGD resulted in positive changes in this activity. ACA highlighted some important issues related to SGD intervention, such as use for expression of communicative needs and access to suitable vocabulary. There also seems to be a need for more guidance to communication partners with respect to the use of communicative strategies to support communication and machine-mediated interaction. Originality/value – Research of the effects of augmentative and alternative communication techniques used in natural interaction is almost non-existent. This case study, therefore, is an important contribution to the field and provides some insights into the challenge of using an electronic device in natural interaction.
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