University of Macau / Faculty of Science and Technology / Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The use of multimodal communication by one moderately mentally retarded, nonphysically impaired teenage girl was investigated. Eighty minutes of language samples were transcribed, coded, and analysed for modes of communication, communicative intent, discourse function, and context of conversation. It was found that six different modes of communication, and various combinations of these modes, were used throughout the samples. A strong relationship between mode of communication and communicative Intent was found. Furthermore, the context of conversation influenced the mode of communication. No strong relationship was found, however, between discourse function and mode of communication. Implications of this research for a theory of multimodal communication in the nonverbal, as well as suggestions for clinical intervention with this population, are discussed. / Medicine, Faculty of / Audiology and Speech Sciences, School of / Graduate

Toilet grab bars were intended to facilitate independent and safe toilet transfer for people with different abilities. However, standard grab bars require too much effort from older adults who typically transfer to the toilet in a standing position rather than a sitting position. Among existing grab bars, grab bars on both sides of the toilet worked best for older adults because they allowed older adults to use both arms to get on and off the toilet. However, based on our observation, these grab bars were not effective to assist older adults to get in and out of the wheelchair. Additionally, these grab bars are too far apart that older adults have to use their shoulders rather than arms, which arise problems because shoulder are typically weaker than arms. This study intends to solve this problem by developing a new grab bar which would be safer, easier and more comfortable to use. Based on the literature review, analysis of existing grab bars and observation, a new concept of grab bars was generated and a functional prototype was constructed for user testing. The prototype was proved to be safe, easy and comfortable to use in the entire transfer process and it reduced the use of wheelchairs as well.

M.Ed. / Every child has the right to education regardless of race, religion, colour, creed, or ability or disability. Learners with disability experienced great difficulty in gaining access to education (Department of Education, 2001:9). It is therefore imperative that such inequalities be amended and the process of 'education for all" accelerated. In a foreign country such as the USA for example, “Calls for educational reform” and “school restructuring” within the educational community are echoed in media, in state legislatures and in local schools. Questions regarding the effectiveness of current educational systems approaches to educating an increasing diverse student population are raised. The concept of “inclusive school practices” is discussed as a philosophical basis for reconstructing the manner in which schools are organized to meet the needs of all learners” (Sands, Kozleski & French, 2000:1-4). As teachers alter their instructional methods in response to student diversity in South Africa, they also need to change their practices in response to other social, political and economic conditions. Information Technology (IT) has expanded both the amount of information we access and the ways we access it (Dede, 1989:4). Changes in the world necessitate changes in what and how students are taught. / Prof. D. Van der Westhuizen

A leitura de livros, revistas e jornais tem importância fundamental na aquisição de informações e conhecimento sobre o mundo e a cultura, e está presente em diversas situações da vida (ambiente escolar, no trabalho e no domicílio). Porém, se para muitas pessoas a prática da leitura faz parte de um hábito cotidiano, para outras, ela é dificultada por uma conjunção de fatores sociais, econômicos ou devido a barreiras físicas de acesso ao manuseio dos materiais impressos. As pessoas com comprometimento funcional grave de membros superiores encontram limitações na realização de suas atividades cotidianas o que resulta na dependência de um cuidador. Os recursos de Tecnologia Assistiva têm sido cada vez mais utilizados para substituir ou apoiar uma função deficitária, permitir um desempenho autônomo e independente, aumentar a acessibilidade ambiental e melhorar a qualidade de vida e inclusão social de pessoas com deficiência. Objetivos: desenvolver o protótipo de um virador de página de materiais impressos, especificamente objetivou projetar e construir o protótipo de um virador de página. Materiais e Métodos: O método utilizado dividiu-se em três etapas. Na primeira etapa definiram-se as especificações do projeto (virar uma folha por vez e não danificá-las, ter velocidade de virada da folha adequada, posicionar o material aberto, não emitir sons que interfiram na leitura, adaptar-se a acionadores diferentes, ser leve e pequeno, ter interface e manutenção simples, ser seguro, manter a integridade dos usuários e ser de baixo custo de material); na segunda etapa determinou-se o modelo conceitual do protótipo e a terceira etapa consistiu na construção do protótipo. Resultados: O protótipo desenvolvido mostrou-se eficaz no atendimento dos requisitos de virar uma folha por vez sem danificá-las e com velocidade de até dez segundos, de manter o material de leitura aberto permitindo a visualização das informações impressas, de adaptar-se a acionadores diferentes, de ter interface simples, peso leve, dimensões compactas e ser confeccionado com materiais de baixo custo. Conclui-se como eficaz o projeto de especificação, conceituação e construção do protótipo de virador de páginas impressas, tendo resultados positivos no âmbito da definição da metodologia, da escolha dos materiais para confecção e no mecanismo de acionamento e funcionamento deste. Observa-se que será necessário o teste de bancada e futuros ajustes para permitir o avanço e o retrocesso das folhas, a adaptação de materiais de tamanho e gramatura diferentes e a inclinação do protótipo. / The reading of books, magazines and newspapers has fundamental importance in the acquisition of information and knowledge about the world and culture, and it is present in several situations of life as school environment, work and at home. Although reading practice for many people is an everyday habit for others it is difficult because of many social, economic, or yet due to physical barriers of access to printed materials handling. People with severe functional commitment of upper members face limitations to do their everyday activities which results in a caretaker. The resources of assistive technology have been used more and more to switch or to support a deficient function also to allow an autonomous and independent performance, to raise the environmental accessibility and to improve life quality and social inclusion of disabled. Objectives: develop a page turner prototype of printed materials, specifically it has objectified to project and build a page turner. Material and Methods: The used method has been divided in three steps: The first step has defined the project specifications as well as turning one sheet at a time and without causing any damage to it, having velocity of turning the proper sheet, positioning the material opened, do not producing sounds which interferes in the reading process, adapting to the different drivers, being light and compact, having simple interface and simple maintenance, being secure, keeping the users integrity and being made of low cost material. The second step has determined the conceptual model of the prototype. The third step has consisted of prototype construction. Results: the prototype developed has showed effective requirements of turning one page at a time without causing any damage to it and with velocity up to ten seconds, of keeping the reading material opened allowing the visualization of printed information, of adapting to different drivers, of having simple interface, light weight, compact dimensions, and being made with low cost materials. The specification, conceptualization and construction of a printed page turner prototype project have concluded to be effective having positive results in the definition of the methodology ambit, of choosing the material to make it and in its mechanism to operate and work. It has observed that seat tests and future sets will be necessary to allow the progress and backing of pages, different size and weight material adaptations as well as prototype inclination.

A leitura de livros, revistas e jornais tem importância fundamental na aquisição de informações e conhecimento sobre o mundo e a cultura, e está presente em diversas situações da vida (ambiente escolar, no trabalho e no domicílio). Porém, se para muitas pessoas a prática da leitura faz parte de um hábito cotidiano, para outras, ela é dificultada por uma conjunção de fatores sociais, econômicos ou devido a barreiras físicas de acesso ao manuseio dos materiais impressos. As pessoas com comprometimento funcional grave de membros superiores encontram limitações na realização de suas atividades cotidianas o que resulta na dependência de um cuidador. Os recursos de Tecnologia Assistiva têm sido cada vez mais utilizados para substituir ou apoiar uma função deficitária, permitir um desempenho autônomo e independente, aumentar a acessibilidade ambiental e melhorar a qualidade de vida e inclusão social de pessoas com deficiência. Objetivos: desenvolver o protótipo de um virador de página de materiais impressos, especificamente objetivou projetar e construir o protótipo de um virador de página. Materiais e Métodos: O método utilizado dividiu-se em três etapas. Na primeira etapa definiram-se as especificações do projeto (virar uma folha por vez e não danificá-las, ter velocidade de virada da folha adequada, posicionar o material aberto, não emitir sons que interfiram na leitura, adaptar-se a acionadores diferentes, ser leve e pequeno, ter interface e manutenção simples, ser seguro, manter a integridade dos usuários e ser de baixo custo de material); na segunda etapa determinou-se o modelo conceitual do protótipo e a terceira etapa consistiu na construção do protótipo. Resultados: O protótipo desenvolvido mostrou-se eficaz no atendimento dos requisitos de virar uma folha por vez sem danificá-las e com velocidade de até dez segundos, de manter o material de leitura aberto permitindo a visualização das informações impressas, de adaptar-se a acionadores diferentes, de ter interface simples, peso leve, dimensões compactas e ser confeccionado com materiais de baixo custo. Conclui-se como eficaz o projeto de especificação, conceituação e construção do protótipo de virador de páginas impressas, tendo resultados positivos no âmbito da definição da metodologia, da escolha dos materiais para confecção e no mecanismo de acionamento e funcionamento deste. Observa-se que será necessário o teste de bancada e futuros ajustes para permitir o avanço e o retrocesso das folhas, a adaptação de materiais de tamanho e gramatura diferentes e a inclinação do protótipo. / The reading of books, magazines and newspapers has fundamental importance in the acquisition of information and knowledge about the world and culture, and it is present in several situations of life as school environment, work and at home. Although reading practice for many people is an everyday habit for others it is difficult because of many social, economic, or yet due to physical barriers of access to printed materials handling. People with severe functional commitment of upper members face limitations to do their everyday activities which results in a caretaker. The resources of assistive technology have been used more and more to switch or to support a deficient function also to allow an autonomous and independent performance, to raise the environmental accessibility and to improve life quality and social inclusion of disabled. Objectives: develop a page turner prototype of printed materials, specifically it has objectified to project and build a page turner. Material and Methods: The used method has been divided in three steps: The first step has defined the project specifications as well as turning one sheet at a time and without causing any damage to it, having velocity of turning the proper sheet, positioning the material opened, do not producing sounds which interferes in the reading process, adapting to the different drivers, being light and compact, having simple interface and simple maintenance, being secure, keeping the users integrity and being made of low cost material. The second step has determined the conceptual model of the prototype. The third step has consisted of prototype construction. Results: the prototype developed has showed effective requirements of turning one page at a time without causing any damage to it and with velocity up to ten seconds, of keeping the reading material opened allowing the visualization of printed information, of adapting to different drivers, of having simple interface, light weight, compact dimensions, and being made with low cost materials. The specification, conceptualization and construction of a printed page turner prototype project have concluded to be effective having positive results in the definition of the methodology ambit, of choosing the material to make it and in its mechanism to operate and work. It has observed that seat tests and future sets will be necessary to allow the progress and backing of pages, different size and weight material adaptations as well as prototype inclination.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / à indiscutÃvel a relevÃncia da temÃtica de orientaÃÃo à Pessoa com DeficiÃncia (PcD) visual quanto à prevenÃÃo das DoenÃas Sexualmente TransmissÃveis (DST). Se as DST representam um risco Ãs pessoas sem deficiÃncia, para as PcD, os riscos podem se tornar ampliados. Para essa populaÃÃo, dispÃe-se da Tecnologia Assistiva (TA), a qual se constitui de materiais, mÃtodos e processos adaptados Ãs suas necessidades. O crescente nÃmero de ferramentas computacionais direcionadas para a PcD permite a inclusÃo dessas pessoas na educaÃÃo e promoÃÃo da saÃde. O objetivo deste estudo foi validar uma TA na prevenÃÃo de DST para a promoÃÃo da saÃde da PcD visual. Trata-se de estudo de validaÃÃo de TA, desenvolvido no ambiente virtual do LaboratÃrio de ComunicaÃÃo em SaÃde do Departamento de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Cearà (www.labcomsaude.ufc.br). A TA à composta por um texto rimado, gravado em Ãudio e disponibilizado no site do referido laboratÃrio para ser acessada a distÃncia. O perÃodo da coleta de dados ocorreu entre maio e setembro de 2012, com a utilizaÃÃo dos endereÃos eletrÃnicos dos sujeitos. Foram sujeitos do estudo 14 especialistas em conteÃdo e aspectos pedagÃgicos. O estudo foi realizado em trÃs etapas: validaÃÃo aparente e de conteÃdo do instrumento de avaliaÃÃo de conteÃdo; validaÃÃo do texto por especialistas em conteÃdo; e validaÃÃo por especialistas em aspectos pedagÃgicos com experiÃncia em educaÃÃo especial. A anÃlise dos dados ocorreu com base nas consideraÃÃes emitidas pelos sujeitos, atravÃs da organizaÃÃo e do processamento das pontuaÃÃes do instrumento, analisadas quantitativamente. Os aspectos Ãticos foram respeitados, conforme ResoluÃÃo 196/96, aprovado sob protocolo 37/12. Quanto ao conteÃdo, referente aos objetivos, apresentaram Ãndices insatisfatÃrios: (1.6) ressalta os tipos de tratamento das DoenÃas Sexualmente TransmissÃveis; (1.9) incentiva mudanÃa de comportamento e atitude e (1.12) esclarece possÃveis dÃvidas sobre a temÃtica. No tocante à estrutura e apresentaÃÃo, os itens (2.4) o tamanho do texto à adequado e (2.5) a sequÃncia do conteÃdo proposto à lÃgica obtiveram Ãndices de concordÃncia inadequados. Na terceira e Ãltima parte, referente à relevÃncia da TA, dois itens tambÃm apresentaram Ãndices de concordÃncia indesejados: (3.2) permite a transferÃncia e generalizaÃÃo do aprendizado para diferentes contextos e (3.5) retrata os aspectos necessÃrios ao esclarecimento à famÃlia (jovens, adultos e idosos). Nos aspectos pedagÃgicos, um dos itens do instrumento, (2.2) està apropriado à faixa etÃria proposta, e suas definiÃÃes operacionais atingiram o Ãndice de concordÃncia tambÃm inadequado. Mesmo com resultados satisfatÃrios, as contribuiÃÃes foram analisadas e acatadas em sua maioria. A TA desenvolvida foi validada em relaÃÃo ao conteÃdo das DST e aos aspectos relacionados à educaÃÃo das PcD visual, ou seja, os aspectos pedagÃgicos. A tecnologia em saÃde tem a capacidade de tornar o processo de aprendizagem conveniente, acessÃvel e estimulante. A utilizaÃÃo do computador e da internet, associada à prÃtica educativa em saÃde, pode se apresentar como meio eficaz de promover a saÃde da PcD visual ao proporcionar o acesso a informaÃÃes e incentivar a autonomia deste. Acredita-se que o incentivo ao uso do preservativo e o conhecimento proporcionado quanto à ocorrÃncia de uma DST sÃo capazes de sensibilizar a PcD visual para necessidade da prevenÃÃo e adoÃÃo de prÃtica sexual segura. / The relevance of orientations on the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) for Visually Impaired People (IPs) lies beyond discussion. If STDs represent a risk for people without disabilities, for IPs, these risks can be enhanced. For this population, Assistive Technology (AT) is available, which comprises materials, methods and processes adapted to their needs. The growing number of computer tools for IPs permits these peopleâs inclusion in health education and promotion. The aim in this study was to validate an AT on the prevention of STDs with a view to health promotion for visually IPs. An AT validation study was developed in the virtual environment of the Health Communication Laboratory at the Nursing Department of Universidade Federal do Cearà (www.labcomsaude.ufc.br). The AT consists of an audio-recorded rhymed text, which is available on the laboratory website for distance access. Data were collected between May and September 2012, using the subjectsâ electronic addresses. Subjects were 14 experts in contents and pedagogical aspects. The study was undertaken in three phases: face and content validity of the content evaluation instrument; content expert validation of the text; and validation by experts in pedagogical aspects experienced in special education. Data analysis was based on the participantsâ considerations, through the organization and processing of instrument scores, subject to quantitative analysis. Ethical aspects were respected, incompliance with Resolution 196/96, approved under protocol 37/12. As regards the contents related to the objectives, the following items obtained unsatisfactory scores: (1.6) highlights the types of treatment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases; (1.9) encourages behavior and attitude change and (1.12) clarifies possible doubts on the theme. Regarding the structure and presentation, items (2.4) the text size is appropriate and (2.5) the sequence of the proposed contents is logical obtained inappropriate agreement rates. In the third and final part, related to the relevance of the AT, two items also showed inappropriate agreement rates: (3.2) permits the transfer and generalization of learning to different contexts and (3.5) pictures the aspects needed to inform the family (young people, adults and elderly). As regards pedagogical aspects, one of the instrument items, (2.2) is appropriate to the proposed age range and its operational definitions also reached an inappropriate agreement level. Despite satisfactory results, the contributions were analyzed and most of them were accepted. The developed AT was validated with regard to the STD contents and the aspects related to the education of visually IPs, that is, the pedagogical aspects. Health technology can turn the learning process convenient, accessible and stimulating. The use of the computer and Internet, associated with health education, can be an effective means to promote the health of visually IPs by granting access to information and encouraging their autonomy. The researchers believe that the encouragement of condom use and knowledge granted on the occurrence of an STD can sensitize visually IPs towards the need for prevention and the adoption of safe sexual practices.

In 1992, the Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) as an application over the Internet using TCP/IP protocol as stated in the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3). Accessing local IS to process data is no longer appropriate in the revolution of distributed processing. Web environments are heterogeneous and portable. First, the Web was developed for textual publishing purposes. However, in parallel the rapid advances of related technology and the incredible growth of ubiquitous data, the Web has evolved from a static medium for information sharing into an interactive multimedia platform that includes video, sound, animation, with dynamic links. In the light of these advancements, Web accessibility and associated problems (eg. People with deafness), represent a serious obstacle that prohibits people with special needs from accessing telecommunication systems. The Deaf Community’ is almost a closed community that has its own language (i.e. sign language), customs and traditions. There is little research around the world investigating direct machine translation of sign language. To avoid machine translation and associated problems, this thesis built on current Web technology to integrate Signage Information into the Web environment. As part of this integration, it made use of an ‘Intermediary Signage Object’ rather than intermediate transmission of video-based sign language. Finally, this thesis provides a Sign Language Annotation tool. It generates an XML document in order to process signage object content. The Graphical Usage Interface (GUI) contains a display window that plays customized sign language clips according to the sign viewers’ preferences. The Signage Tool extends IBM VideoAnnEx Tool to include sign language attributes and related data. In addition, it has been developed for different types of users involved with the deaf community (i.e. hearing impairment, hard of hearing, and sign language interpreters.) / Master of Science (Hons.)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Delaware, 2009. / Principal faculty advisor: James C. Galloway, Dept. of Physical Therapy. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.