Orientador: Eliane Mauerberg de Castro / Banca: Heloisa Gagheggi Ravanini Gardon Gagliardo / Banca: José Angelo Barela / Resumo: A perseveração motora tem sido recentemente usada para interpretar a canônica tarefa "A não B" de Piaget. Nesta tarefa, as crianças observam o experimentador esconde um brinquedo em uma localização "A", um atraso é imposto, e então a criança é encorajada a alcançar. Para as tentativas em A, as crianças tipicamente alcançam para A, onde o objeto foi escondido. Depois de esconder várias vezes e alcançar sucessivamente para A, o experimentador esconde o brinquedo em uma segunda localização, "B", sob condições idênticas ao lado A. Tipicamente por volta do 9 meses de idade, crianças, mesmo olhando esse jogo de esconder e procurar volta a alcançar o brinquedo A depois de o experimentador ter dado a dica no brinquedo B. Explicações iniciais do erro "A não B" são retratados como um problema de codificação do novo local, fragilidade da memória para o novo local, ou a ação repetida. Por outro lado, as crianças perseveram menos nas tentativas em B se os locais A e B são distintos visualmente. Entretanto observamos que a informação visual na tarefa "A não B" é importante para o aparecimento ou não da perseveração motora. A proposta deste estudo foi verificar se crianças com deficiência visual perseveram ou não na tarefa modificada Pigetiana de alcance "A não B", identificar o relacionamento das diferentes propriedades do objeto na taxa de perseverativa, identificar o relacionamento entre a orientação da cabeça e o alcançar durante sua performance, bem como o padrão cinemático do alcançar. Dez bebês com deficiência visual, baixa visão, entre 1 a 4 anos de idade foram autorizados por seus pais para participarem do estudo. As crianças foram avaliadas em duas condições: luminosa e sonora. Enquanto realizaram a tarefa "A não B", todos os participantes foram filmados por três câmeras. Os resultados revelaram que o grupo... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Motor perseveration has recently been used to interpret the canonical Piaget's "A not B" task. In this task, the infants watch as the researcher hides a toy in a location "A", a delay is imposed, and then the infants are allowed to reach. On these A trials, infants typically reach to A, to where the object was hidden. After several hidings and successive reaches to A, the researcher hides the toy in a second location, "B", under identical conditions of the location A. Typically, around the age of nine months, infants, even after watching these "hide and search" games, return to reach for the "A" toy after being cued to reach for the "B" toy. Initial explanations for the "A not B" error portrayed it as a problem of encoding the new location, fragility of memory for the new location, or repeated action. On the other hand, infants are less likely to perseverate on attempts to B if the A and B locations are visually distinct. However, we observed that visual information in the "A not B" task is important to the emergence or not of the motor perseveration. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not children that that have visual deficiency perseverate in a modified Piagetian "A not B" reaching task, to identify the relationship between different characteristics of the object and motor perseveration rate, and also, to identify the relationship between head orientation and reaching during their performance, as well as, the reaching kinematics pattern. Ten visually impaired children, low vision, among age of 1 and 4 years, were authorized by their parents to take part in this study. The children were measured in two conditions: luminous and sonorous. While performing the "A not B" sand box task, all participants were videotaped with three cameras. A section experiment showed results confirming that the group only perseverated under... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

All people seek information for various reasons sometime during their lifetime. How this process has been researched and documented by various researchers is covered in this thesis, showing how the insights and lessons from various Information Seeking Models in the literature have informed and enriched this study. These models provide a good understanding of the study field and frameworks to explain the different elements of the information seeking process. All available Information Seeking Models, however, are developed based on the assumption that information seeking is performed by people with sight. How applicable these Information Seeking Models are for people who are blind and/or visually impaired is not addressed in the research. There are a number of different realities for a blind and visually impaired person seeking information, e.g. the accessibility of the technology to access the information, the accessibility of the information once it is located, the availability of technologies to assist the blind and visually impaired person to enable him/her to seek information, the availability of other people to assist the blind and visually impaired person during the information seeking process are just some of the challenges not addressed by existing Information Seeking Models. The purpose of this study is therefore to give an overview of existing Information Seeking Models and then to focus on the two leading researchers in the field, i.e. C. Kuhlthau and T.D. Wilson. These models of the information seeking process were contextualised and assessed in relation with the information needs model of N. Moore who researched the information needs of blind and visually impaired people. Based on the work of the three researchers a survey instrument was developed to determine the information seeking process of Grade 12 learners at five South African Schools for the Blind. Since Grade 12 learners must decide about their future, after completing school, it was decided to research how Grade 12 learners seek information to assist them to decide about tertiary studies or work options. The study included learners who had not yet started the information seeking process in this regard. A research instrument was designed to collect data to investigate the information seeking processes of the Grade 12 learners in order to assess the extent to which they correlated with the Information Seeking Models of Kuhlthau (1991) and Wilson (1999). The qualitative research method was followed in this study which was located in a constructivist paradigm. Interviews were conducted with 43 learners at the five schools for the blind representing the total population of Grade 12 learners registered at the selected schools. The literature confirms that low population sizes are customary when researching blind and visually impaired people. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at the five schools. The findings of the interviews were analysed through a framework analysis. Thereafter, a gap analysis was conducted to determine to what extent the findings correlated to or differed from the Information Seeking Models. From this analysis seven components were identified as part of the design of the Inclusive Information Seeking Model applicable to blind and visually impaired Grade 12 learners, a major outcome of the study. A broader application of the model is suggested. This Inclusive Information Seeking Model will raise awareness and assist people working in an information environment to make the necessary provisions, to ensure that the information seeking process for blind and visually impaired people is as successful as possible with available resources.

This thesis aims to implement a system called SafeWalk to help visually impaired people to sense obstacles in their path and provide them with more independence and more effortless life routines without any external help. SafeWalk is a low power consuming system designed to replace the daily used white cane. It consists of sensors, a buzzer, a vibrating motor, and a software application. The system will be installed on the user's shoe. It detects the objects in front of the user using an Ultrasonic sensor that measures the distance to the targeted object by transmitting sound waves. This will produce vibration in the shoe and causes the buzzer to start playing when the object gets closer. Similarly, using the provided application, signals will be received in the user's smartphone, which will begin to vibrate when the object is detected. The system works just as planned. The final prototype senses objects in the walking path very well. The connection to the app was strong and never disconnected while in use. The phone vibrates stronger if an object on the ground gets closer; if there is an object in the air, the buzzer and vibrator signal the user.

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The widespread integration of the computer into the mainstream of daily life presents a challenge to various sectors of society, and the incorporation of this technology into the realm of the older individual with visual impairments is a relatively uncharted field of study. This study was undertaken to acquire the perceptions of the impact of the training and issuance of the access of technology upon participants’ quality of life. The study adopted a qualitative research approach employing phenomenological, descriptive, and cross-case components in order to understand the experience of older (over 40) veterans who were legally blind, had completed Computer Access Technology (CATS) training, and had been issued assistive technology. The 9 respondents were selected from veterans who had been through the CATS program and were known to the researcher in an attempt to maximize the range of ages, military experience, and origin of vision loss. This study employed semi-structured interviews that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Through content analysis, the participants’ responses, originally in 20 categories, were consolidated into 3 categories, which correlated to the questions of this study. During this process, an emergent category, “Background and History of the Participants,” evolved, resulting in a total of 4 categories. The categories reflected the background and history of participants, the impact of blind rehabilitation, current computer usage in daily tasks, and participants’ comments and recommendations. The results demonstrated that the CATS training had a profound impact on the participants upon their return to their homes. The impact included the restored ability to communicate with family and friends, the development of new interests and abilities, the re-establishment of self-worth, a sense of independence, and the feeling of being normal and not a “freak.” 7 of the 9 participants had already returned for additional CATS training during the research process. Of the remaining 2, 1 received on-the-job training, and the final participant would consider returning if his vision deteriorated. Various participants had returned or remained in the workforce, and others performed volunteer work. 6 envision further study through correspondence courses, more CATS training or on their own.

ABSTRACT A REAL TIME INDOOR NAVIGATION AND MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED MAY 2011 SIDDHESH RAJAN GANDHI M.S. E.C.E, UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Professor Aura Ganz There has been a widespread growth of technology in almost every facet of day to day life. But there are still important application areas in which technology advancements have not been implemented in a cost effective and user friendly manner. Such applications which we will address in this proposal include: 1) indoor localization and navigation of firefighters during rescue operations and 2) indoor localization and navigation for the blind and visually impaired population. Firefighting is a dangerous job to perform as there can be several unexpected hazards while rescuing victims. Since the firefighters do not have any knowledge about the internal structure of the fire ridden building, they will not be able to find the location of the EXIT door, a fact that can prove to be fatal. We introduce an indoor location tracking and navigation system (FIREGUIDE) using RFID technology integrated with augmented reality. FIREGUIDE assists the firefighters to find the nearest exit location by providing the navigation instructions to the exits as well as an Augmented Reality view of the location and direction of the exits. The system also presents the Incident Commander the current firefighter’s location superimposed on a map of the building floor. We envision that the FIREGUIDE system will save a significant number of firefighters and victims’ lives. Blind or visually impaired people find it difficult to navigate independently in both outdoor and indoor environments. The outdoor navigation problem can be solved by using systems that have GPS support. But indoor navigation systems for the blind or visually impaired are still a challenge to conquer, given the requirements of low cost and user friendly operation. In order to enhance the perception of indoor and unfamiliar environments for the blind and visually-impaired, as well as to aid in their navigation through such environments, we propose a novel approach that provides context–aware navigation services. INSIGHT uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and tagged spaces (audio landmarks), enabling a ubiquitous computing system with contextual awareness of its users while providing them persistent and context-aware information. We present INSIGHT system that supports a number of unique features such as: a) Low deployment and maintenance cost; b) Scalability, i.e. we can deploy the system in very large buildings; c) An on-demand system that does not overwhelm the user, as it offers small amounts of information on demand; and d) Portability and ease-of-use, i.e., the custom handheld device carried by the user is compact and instructions are received audibly.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of group counseling with visually-impaired elderly adults, and (b) to provide information concerning the effectiveness of group counseling to practitioners in the field. The study reviewed the literature regarding aging and vision, psychosocial reactions to vision loss, and group counseling with the visually-impaired and the elderly. Twenty subjects, who were above age 65 and had recently experienced a severe loss of vision, were selected to participate in the study. Ten subjects were assigned to an experimental counseling group and 10 subjects were assigned to a no-treatment control group. The experimental group participated in 1-1/2 hour group sessions once a week for 10 weeks. Both the experimental group and the control subjects were administered pre- and post-tests. The tests measured depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.

<p>The study investigates the user experience of visually impaired people using screen readers, concentrating on their accessibility and usability when navigating digital content. Screen readers are indispensable instruments for the blind and visually impaired, facilitating the completion of online tasks and access to information. While screen readers offer benefits such as customization and accessibility, they also present users with challenges such as cognitive burden, sequential navigation, and limitations with multimedia content.</p><p>The research takes a user-centric approach, taking into account the particular requirements and preferences of visually impaired users. By conducting empirical research, the study gains valuable insights into the experiences, requirements, and pain points of screen reader users. The objective is to identify areas for enhancement and create solutions that enhance the user's efficiency and satisfaction.</p><p>Recognizing the diverse subcategories within the visually impaired population, the thesis argues for design approaches that are tailored to specific needs. In addition, the incorporation of existing artificial intelligence systems, such as image caption generation and text extraction, is investigated to improve the functionality and usability of screen readers.</p><p>Through this research, the thesis emphasizes the significance of creating digital content that is both functional and accessible. By embracing the curb cut effect and incorporating empirical research findings, developers can cultivate a more inclusive and equitable online environment for all users, thereby promoting inclusivity and ensuring that visually impaired users can effectively interact with digital content.</p>

This paper presents a case study conducted in Malmö, Sweden, with the aim of examining and improving the accessibility and usability of pedestrian walkways for blind and visually impaired people (BVIP). The study focuses on identifying the obstacles faced by BVIPs in using pedestrian walkways in Malmö and proposes strategies to enhance their accessibility. A mixed methods approach, including observations, walk-along interviews, and photography, was employed to collect data. The study observed several pedestrian walkways in Malmö and interviewed four informants to gain a diversity of perspectives. The findings identified five types of obstacles faced by BVIPs: barriers issues, building issues, Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI) issues, aids issues, and natural issues. Consistency in the guidance line with contrasting brightness and tactile features was found to be a crucial requirement for BVIPs. The study also explores the factors that impact the implementation of universal design (UD) principles on pedestrian walkways, including old buildings, city decision-makers, street designers, and a lack of a feedback system. To improve accessibility and usability, the study proposes five key principles: maintaining consistent lead lines, maximizing the effectiveness of TWSIs, separating areas with different functions, designing streets based on user needs and daily habits, and promoting UD for all as a long-term strategy. In conclusion, this study identifies obstacles faced by BVIPs on pedestrian walkways in Malmö and proposes strategies to enhance their accessibility and usability. It argues that implementing these strategies can implement UD principles and create more accessible and usable pedestrian walkways for BVIPs and contribute to inclusivity

A smart phone camera based indoor guidance system to aid the visually impaired is presented. Most proposed systems for aiding the visually impaired with indoor navigation are not feasible for widespread use due to cost, usability, or portability. We use a smart phone vision based system to create an indoor guidance system that is simple, accessible, inexpensive, and discrete to aid the visually impaired to navigate unfamiliar environments such as public buildings. The system consists of a smart phone and a server. The smart phone transmits pictures of the user's location to the server. The server processes the images and matches them to a database of stored images of the building. After matching features, the location and orientation of the person is calculated using 3D location correspondence data stored for features of each image. Positional information is then transmitted back to the smart phone and communicated to the user via text-to-speech. This thesis focuses on developing the vision technology for this unique application rather than building the complete system. Experimental results demonstrate the ability of the system to quickly and accurately determine the pose of the user in a university building.