Information system for visually impaired in Indian universities: a user’s perspectives

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to comprehend the perceptions of visually impaired users in development of information systems in Indian universities. This will help higher educational institutions in India to fulfil information requirements of visually impaired users. Design/methodology/approach A twofold method was used in the study: survey of visually impaired students in four universities; design and development of an online information system for visually impaired (ISVI). A structured questionnaire was used for survey of visually impaired users in Indian universities. The questionnaire with 33 open-ended questions was distributed among 603 visually impaired users and 316 responses were received. Stratified sampling technique was used in data collection. Response rate was 52.4%. The received responses were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19 and presented through tables and figures. Findings Majority of respondents revealed that lack of content availability in vernacular language, poor information resources access mechanism, less volume of course content and poor maintenance of assistive software(s) and devices and non-standardized e-resources compatible with the assistive software(s) are some major inhibits faced. Majority of respondents revealed that they prefer scribes in examinations because use of assistive technology (AT) is time-consuming. Lack of training and confidence in using AT is another reason for preferring scribes in examinations. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted on a limited number of visually impaired uses in Indian universities. Also, the online system ISVI contains a sample collection related to undergraduate courses only. Practical implications This study will help Indian universities to identify problems faced by visually impaired users. Findings of the study can help faculty members, decision-makers to understand the perspective of visually impaired. Besides this, the study can also help government agencies in formulating policies. Findings will help in developing robust information resources suiting the needs of visually impaired. Originality/value This study developed an online system ISVI (www.isvi.in) suitable to address the requirements of visually impaired students. Furthermore, it can guide policymakers, faculty members and information professionals in developing seamless open access information systems.

Familiarity and understanding of assistive technology among visually impaired users of libraries of special institutes of Haryana, India

“…It had been confirmed that VIUs were not fully using AT facilities available in the libraries and were not well-versed in using AT independently (Agabirwe and Kiyingi, 2020;Ramasesh and Chandrashekara, 2014). A study also found that due to lack of proper training in using AT, most of the VIUs prefer scribes in examinations (Bhardwaj, 2021). So, there is an urgent need for awareness and proper training to use AT facilities effectively (Appiah, 2019;Khowaja, 2019).…”

“…AT has become increasingly important for VIUs to access library resources and participate in various activities. It was found that AT could provide a barrier-free environment to the VIUs in libraries, and using appropriate AT in libraries could enhance the learning abilities of VIUs (Chaurasia and Singh, 2022; Bhardwaj, 2021). It is observed that most VIUs depend on their respective libraries to fulfil their information needs (Khowaja and Fatima, 2023).…”

Assistive Support Through Technologies for Persons with Disabilities in Libraries

“…The findings of this analysis may help people with disabilities move to an inclusive world through assistive technologies. The Bhardwaj (2021) 16 study aims to elucidate the opinions of visually impaired users in the improvement of knowledge systems in universities. The significant finding of this study is that libraries of Indian universities have inadequate information resources and poor access systems, lack of resources in the local language, the low and up-to-date quantity of resource material and supporting software, and lack of trained and professional staff in using assistive technologies.…”