Improving assistive technology access to students with low vision and blindness in Delhi: A school-based model

Senjam, Suraj Singh; Manna, Souvik; Vashist, Praveen; Gupta, Vivek; Grover, Sumit; Kumar, Vikas Ajeet; Titiyal, Jeewan S

doi:10.4103/ijo.ijo_1281_22

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Evidence is mounting on the importance of assistive devices, including traditional optical magnifiers, in managing people with low vision and blindness. [ 21 22 23 ] These devices can help to minimize functional limitations and improve independent living skills in a person with vision loss. The study showed that a sizable number of patients have BCVA better than 1/60.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying causes of vision loss and assistive technology needs among patients attending rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary care center in North India

Senjam,

Beniwal,

Lomi

et al. 2024

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

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Purpose: Investigating the causes of visual loss and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is crucial for identifying avoidable eye problems and planning appropriate rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT) services. The study aimed to identify various causes of vision loss and determine AT required for vision rehabilitation (VR). Methods: The electronic records of patients who attended the VR clinic at a tertiary eyecare for the past 2 years were reviewed. Information such as demographics, BCVA, and causes of visual impairment were retrieved from the records. BCVA was categorized into better than or equal to 1/60 and less than <1/60 for AT services. Results: In total, 1723 patients, mostly male (71.2%), visited the rehabilitation clinic from 2018 to 2019. Around 58.6% of patients belonged to the age group 16–49 years, whereas 25.6% were less than 15 years old. The most frequent eye problems were retinal disorders (63.5%), followed by retinitis pigmentosa (15.2%) and rod–cone dystrophy (4.7%). In contrast, congenital disorders were the most common cause of vision loss among younger groups. Approximately 36.0% of patients had <1/60 blindness and 16.6% had ≥1/60. Around 17.1% of patients would benefit from large prints (near vision acuity N18–N12). Conclusion: Early detection and timely management will prevent a significant proportion of patients from developing irreversible vision loss. Around one-third of patients would benefit from visual substitution AT.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying causes of vision loss and assistive technology needs among patients attending rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary care center in North India

Senjam,

Beniwal,

Lomi

et al. 2024

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

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“…The detailed methodology, including the estimation of the sample size, sampling technique, was published in the previous paper. [14] However, brie y, this cross-sectional study was conducted in eight districts selected from four different zones of India from November to December 2021. Individuals of all age groups irrespective of health conditions or functional limitations were included in the study.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Satisfaction with Assistive Technology among Users with disabilities: Findings from a Sub-national Study in India

Senjam,

Manna,

Titiyal

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background User satisfaction with Assistive Technology (AT) is one of the integral outcomes of successful AT service. The current study aimed to estimate the satisfaction with AT and reasons for dissatisfaction among users with disabilities in India Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight districts, representing four zones of India, using the WHO Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment tool. Multi-stage cluster random sampling along with the probability proportional to size technique was used to select smaller administrative units from the larger ones. Satisfaction was reported in terms of assistive products and service delivery. Results In total, 8486 participants were surveyed out of 8964 individuals enumerated with a response rate of 94.6%. Around 22.2% (1888) of participants with disabilities reported using AT, out of which 7.8% (147) were dissatisfied with their products. The proportion of respondents with disabilities reporting satisfaction with their products, AT services in terms of assessment and training, and AT repair and maintenance were 92.2%, 88.4%, and 85.2%. However, 12.4% (234) and 14.9% (282) of respondents reported that their AT was not suitable for home and public environments, respectively. Another 13.4% (253) respondents reported that their AT does not help them in executing their daily living activities. Discomfort (56.6%), poor fitting (37.7%), low quality of service (20.7%), and poor aesthetic values (18.9%) were identified as reasons for dissatisfaction. Satisfaction was good for AT received from friends and family but was poor for those received from the public sector. Conclusion The study shows that overall satisfaction and suitability with AT were high among users with disabilities, yet few have reported barriers to effective device use and facing challenges in accessing repair and follow-up services.

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Accessibility of digital systems in information retrieval by users with visual impairment

Kiambati,

Juma,

Wawire

2024

QAE

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Purpose This paper aims to evaluate the accessibility of digital information systems as a key usability attribute in information retrieval by users with visual impairment (VI), to inform development of accessible information systems. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional survey design based on the quantitative research paradigm. Data was collected from 117 students with visual impairments from selected public universities in Kenya, using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Findings This study revealed that gender did not influence screen reader compatibility, alternative format preferences, perceptions of accessible content or digital library navigability. Instead, type of visual impairment, prior assistive technology (AT) training and digital library use frequency significantly impacted these attributes. Blind students reported positive experiences, favouring alternative formats, and expressed positive views on accessible content while those with low vision faced more challenges. Prior training in assistive technology and frequent digital library use resulted in higher screen reader compatibility and better navigability. Increased digital library use was linked to access to alternative content for those with prior assistive technology training. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the existing literature on accessibility of digital information systems for users with visual impairments. Further research is needed to explore other factors that may influence the accessibility of digital systems, such as the design of user interfaces as well as an evaluation of accessibility of digital systems for other categories of disabilities such as hearing impairment, physical impairment, autism and intellectual disability, among others. Practical implications The findings of this study have practical implications for the design and development of digital systems such as digital libraries. Developers can leverage findings of this study to enhance compatibility of digital platforms with screen readers and provide alternative formats and accessible content. User-centred design principles can be used to create interfaces that are easy to navigate and friendly to users with visual impairments. Training programmes on assistive technology should be provided to users to enhance their skills and confidence in using digital systems. Originality/value This study contributes towards design and creation of navigable systems that are compatible with screen readers. The study also points out the importance of creating more inclusive and usable digital environments for persons with visual impairments.

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Improving assistive technology access to students with low vision and blindness in Delhi: A school-based model

Cited by 3 publications

References 14 publications

Identifying causes of vision loss and assistive technology needs among patients attending rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary care center in North India

Identifying causes of vision loss and assistive technology needs among patients attending rehabilitation clinic of a tertiary care center in North India

Satisfaction with Assistive Technology among Users with disabilities: Findings from a Sub-national Study in India

Accessibility of digital systems in information retrieval by users with visual impairment

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