Browsing by Subject "assistive technology"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Designing an Adaptive Web Navigation Interface for Users with Variable Pointing Performance
    (ACM, 2018-04) Martin-Hammond, Aqueasha; Hamidi, Foad; Bhalerao, Tejas; Ortega, Christian; Ali, Abdullah; Hornback, Catherine; Means, Casey; Hurst, Amy; Human-Centered Computing, School of Informatics and Computing
    Many online services and products require users to point and interact with user interface elements. For individuals who experience variable pointing ability due to physical impairments, environmental issues or age, using an input device (e.g., a computer mouse) to select elements on a website can be difficult. Adaptive user interfaces dynamically change their functionality in response to user behavior. They can support individuals with variable pointing abilities by 1) adapting dynamically to make element selection easier when a user is experiencing pointing difficulties, and 2) informing users about these pointing errors. While adaptive interfaces are increasingly prevalent on the Web, little is known about the preferences and expectations of users with variable pointing abilities and how to design systems that dynamically support them given these preferences. We conducted an investigation with 27 individuals who intermittently experience pointing problems to inform the design of an adaptive interface for web navigation. We used a functional high-fidelity prototype as a probe to gather information about user preferences and expectations. Our participants expected the system to recognize and integrate their preferences for how pointing tasks were carried out, preferred to receive information about system functionality and wanted to be in control of the interaction. We used findings from the study to inform the design of an adaptive Web navigation interface, PINATA that tracks user pointing performance over time and provides dynamic notifications and assistance tailored to their specifications. Our work contributes to a better understanding of users' preferences and expectations of the design of an adaptive pointing system.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Development and Implementation of a School-Based Assistive Technology Team
    (2023-05-01) Barker, Haylee; Sego, Daniel; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Sunbury, Kathy
    Assistive technology (AT) is an overarching term to describe any equipment, program, or device used to increase participation and function within individuals. Technology allows individuals with disabilities and impairments to achieve functional growth in numerous areas of everyday living, whether that be leisure, work, or at school. AT can be classified as simple as a pencil grip and be as advanced as an eye-gaze communication device. The wide range within the technology field correlates with decreased interest and knowledge, leading to limited research and implementation across all therapeutic areas. The purpose of this capstone was to address the lack of knowledge, training, and awareness on technology implications within a school-system to effectively develop an interprofessional assistive technology team focused on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Research suggests technology should be implemented throughout the entire school day to increase the students ability to fully participate in school, social, and play-related tasks. The capstone student identified supportive research in other well-established teams and provided training and materials to support the development of this technology team. The student created sustainable materials for future students, practitioners, and teams to use as references for future team developments.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Increasing the Use of Technology in Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation
    (2022-05-03) Nguyen, Elizabeth; Van Antwerp, Leah; Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Human Sciences; Kozlowski, Whitney
    Assistive technology (AT) can facilitate increased participation and independence for individuals, and occupational therapists (OTs) are well suited to utilize it with their patients. The use of technology, specifically video games, is motivating to children, and is supported by the literature. Thus, the pediatric inpatient rehabilitation team at a local hospital identified that they would like to use technology more frequently to increase evidence-based practice and motivation. However, barriers included lack of awareness of appropriate technology and modifications for patients with a wide range of abilities and limited time for set up and to learn how to use technology. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to increase the use of technology on this unit. To do this, the doctoral capstone student focused on targeting individual outcomes by using technology in OT intervention and translating technology programming to practice through barrier reduction by providing educational materials and in-services. The technology programming was supported by positive responses from the program evaluation survey, including increased knowledge of technology, intent to use it, and acknowledgement of the benefits of its use. Time continues to be a barrier, including time to set up systems and increase comfortability with/confidence in using the technology available. With this, the doctoral capstone student recommends that the site continues to practice quality improvement by providing additional in-services and opportunities for hands-on learning to support sustainability of technology programming.