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• The Sem-Lex Benchmark: Modeling ASL Signs and their Phonemes

  Lee Kezar, Jesse Thomason, Naomi Caselli, Zed Sehyr, Elana Pontecorvo · 2023 · ASSETS '23: Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper introduces the Sem-Lex Benchmark, the largest curated dataset of its kind for American Sign Language (ASL) isolated sign recognition, containing over 84,000 videos of isolated sign productions from 41 deaf ASL signers. The dataset addresses two critical barriers in…

  sign language recognition · American Sign Language · machine learning · phonology · dataset

• AdaptiveSound: An Interactive Feedback-Loop System to Improve Sound Recognition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users

  Hang Do, Quan Dang, Jeremy Zhengqi Huang, Dhruv Jain · 2023 · ASSETS '23: Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper introduces AdaptiveSound, the first feedback-loop sound recognition system designed for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) users. Sound recognition tools help DHH people become aware of environmental sounds ranging from safety-critical alerts like fire alarms and sirens…

  deaf and hard of hearing · sound recognition · human-in-the-loop · machine learning · incremental learning

• Watch Your Language: Using Smartwatches to Support Communication

  Humphrey Curtis, Timothy Neate · 2023 · ASSETS '23: Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

  This paper presents the first participatory design and evaluation of AAC smartwatch applications co-designed directly with people who have complex communication needs (CCNs), specifically people living with aphasia — an acquired language impairment most commonly caused by stroke…

  augmentative and alternative communication · AAC · smartwatch · aphasia · wearable technology

• An Autoethnographic Case Study of Generative Artificial Intelligence's Utility for Accessibility

  Kate S. Glazko, Momona Yamagami, Aashaka Desai, Kelly Avery Mack, Venkatesh Potluri, Xuhai Xu, Jennifer Mankoff · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents an autoethnographic case study in which seven accessibility researchers—both with and without disabilities—explored generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools over a three-month period to assess their potential for supporting accessibility needs. The team…

  generative AI · accessibility · autoethnography · assistive technology · disability

• What do Blind and Low-Vision People Really Want from Assistive Smart Devices? Comparison of the Literature with a Focus Study

  Bhanuka Gamage, Thanh-Toan Do, Nicholas Seow Chiang Price, Arthur Lowery, Kim Marriott · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper investigates whether the tasks and devices explored by researchers developing AI-based assistive smart devices actually align with what blind and low-vision (BLV) people want. The authors conducted a three-part study combining a scoping literature review with…

  blind and low vision · assistive technology · smart devices · computer vision · wearable technology

• Experiments with RouteNav, A Wayfinding App for Blind Travelers in a Transit Hub

  Peng Ren, Jonathan Lam, Roberto Manduchi, Fatemeh Mirzaei · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents RouteNav, an iOS wayfinding app designed to help blind travelers navigate indoor/outdoor transit hubs without requiring any external infrastructure such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons or Wi-Fi fingerprinting. The system achieves localization by fusing…

  wayfinding · indoor navigation · blind and low vision · transit accessibility · mobile application

• Experiences of Autistic Twitch Livestreamers: "I have made easily the most meaningful and impactful relationships"

  Terrance Mok, Anthony Tang, Adam McCrimmon, Lora Oehlberg · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents a reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 10 autistic adult Twitch livestreamers, exploring how autism uniquely shapes their experiences as content creators on a live video platform. The researchers first conducted a formative observation phase,…

  autism · livestreaming · social accessibility · online communities · neurodiversity

• Developing and Deploying a Real-World Solution for Accessible Slide Reading and Authoring for Blind Users

  Zhuohao Zhang, Gene S-H Kim, Jacob O. Wobbrock · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents A11yBoard for Google Slides, a multi-device multimodal system that makes presentation slide reading and authoring accessible to blind users. Presentation software like PowerPoint and Google Slides relies on 2-D "artboard" canvases where objects are placed in…

  screen reader accessibility · presentation software · blind and low vision · multimodal interaction · participatory design

• Maintaining the Accessibility Ecosystem: a Multi-Stakeholder Analysis of Accessibility in Higher Education

  Kelly Avery Mack, Natasha A. Sidik, Aashaka Desai, Emma J. McDonnell, Kunal Mehta, Christina Zhang, Jennifer Mankoff · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This short paper examines how accessibility is created and maintained in higher education through the interactions of three key stakeholder groups: disabled students, professors, and disability service (DS) offices. The author team—comprising disabled students and faculty…

  higher education · accommodations · disability services · accessibility barriers · organizational accessibility

• A Gallery In My Hand: A Multi-Exhibition Investigation of Accessible and Inclusive Gallery Experiences for Blind and Low Vision Visitors

  Matthew Butler, Erica J. Tandori, Vince Dziekan, Kirsten Ellis, Jenna Hall, Leona M. Holloway, Ruth G. Nagassa, Kim Marriott · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

  This paper presents findings from a longitudinal collaboration between researchers and the Bendigo Art Gallery, a major Australian regional gallery, to develop accessible and inclusive experiences for blind and low-vision (BLV) visitors across two flagship exhibitions: Mary…

  museum accessibility · blind and low vision · tactile graphics · 3D printing · inclusive design

• Beyond Audio Description: Exploring 360° Video Accessibility with Blind and Low Vision Users Through Collaborative Creation

  Lucy Jiang, Mahika Phutane, Shiri Azenkot · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper investigates how to make 360-degree videos accessible to blind and low vision (BLV) users while preserving their immersive nature — a challenge that goes well beyond simply adding traditional audio description (AD). The researchers conducted a two-part study with 14…

  audio description · 360 video · video accessibility · blind and low vision · co-design

• A Usability Study of Nomon: A Flexible Interface for Single-Switch Users

  Nicholas Bonaker, Emli-Mari Nel, Keith Vertanen, Tamara Broderick · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper presents the first usability study of Nomon — an alternative single-switch interface — with actual motor-impaired users, comparing it against the widely used row-column scanning (RCS) method. Single-switch interfaces are essential communication tools for people with…

  single switch · augmentative and alternative communication · motor impairment · text entry · scanning

• The Guide Has Your Back: Exploring How Sighted Guides Can Enhance Accessibility in Social Virtual Reality for Blind and Low Vision People

  Jazmin Collins, Crescentia Jung, Yeonju Jang, Danielle Montour, Andrea Stevenson Won, Shiri Azenkot · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper presents the first exploration of using sighted guides to enhance accessibility in social virtual reality for blind and low vision (BLV) people. The researchers built a VR prototype in Unity deployed on Meta Quest 2 headsets, featuring three simulated park…

  virtual reality · social VR · blind and low vision · sighted guide · navigation

• Barriers and Benefits: The Path to Accessible Makerspaces

  Katherine H. Allen, Audrey K. Balaska, Reuben M. Aronson, Chris Rogers, Elaine Schaertl Short · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper investigates the intersection of makerspace culture and the disability community, exploring how makerspaces can better support the development of assistive technologies by and for disabled makers. The researchers conducted eleven semi-structured interviews with two…

  makerspaces · DIY assistive technology · co-design · inclusion · accessibility barriers

• Co-designing new keyboard and mouse solutions with people living with motor impairments

  Rodolfo Cossovich, Steve Hodges, Jin Kang, Audrey Girouard · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This short paper describes a co-design process for developing accessible alternatives to traditional keyboard and mouse interfaces, conducted in collaboration with people living with motor impairments. The study involved three phases: an initial survey of 42 people with physical…

  co-design · motor impairment · input devices · rapid prototyping · keyboard

• Understanding Challenges and Opportunities in Body Movement Education of People who are Blind or have Low Vision

  Madhuka De Silva, Sarah Goodwin, Leona Holloway, Matthew Butler · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper provides a comprehensive investigation of the challenges and opportunities in teaching body movement — including dance, sports, martial arts, yoga, and fitness — to people who are blind or have low vision (BLV). The researchers conducted a three-phase study:…

  blind and low vision · body movement · education · dance · sports

• The Potential of a Visual Dialogue Agent In a Tandem Automated Audio Description System for Videos

  Abigale Stangl, Shasta Ihorn, Yue-Ting Siu, Aditya Bodi, Mar Castanon, Lothar D Narins, Ilmi Yoon · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper presents and evaluates a tandem AI-based audio description (AD) system for videos that combines two complementary tools: NarrationBot, which delivers automated minimum viable descriptions (MVD) of video content, and InfoBot, a visual dialogue agent that allows users…

  audio description · blind and low vision · visual question answering · visual dialogue · AI

• The Eyes Have It: Visual Feedback Methods to Make Walking in Immersive Virtual Reality More Accessible for People With Mobility Impairments While Utilizing Head-Mounted Displays

  M. Rasel Mahmud, Alberto Cordova, John Quarles · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper addresses a critical accessibility barrier in VR: head-mounted displays (HMDs) obstruct peripheral vision of the real world, causing gait disturbances that are particularly dangerous for people with mobility impairments who rely on visual cues for balance. The…

  virtual reality · mobility impairment · multiple sclerosis · gait · visual feedback

• Understanding Noise Sensitivity through Interactions in Two Online Autism Forums

  Emani Dotch, Jazette Johnson, Rebecca W. Black, Gillian R Hayes · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This qualitative study examines how autistic people discuss and manage noise sensitivity by analyzing posts and comments from two online autism forums. Noise sensitivity is one of the most prevalent sensory processing challenges for autistic individuals, experienced by 50-70% of…

  autism · noise sensitivity · sensory processing · online communities · assistive technology

• Investigation into Stress Triggers in Autistic Adults for the Development of Technological Self-Interventions

  John Joseph McGowan, Iain Peter McGregor · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This paper presents findings from a large-scale online survey of over 200 autistic adults and caregivers, investigating common stress triggers and the role of technology in stress management. The research is the initial phase of a broader project aimed at developing a Stress…

  autism · stress management · sensory processing · assistive technology · virtual reality

• A11yFutures: Envisioning the Future of Accessibility Research

  Jennifer Mankoff, Kelly Avery Mack, Jason Wiese, Kirk Andrew Crawford, Foad Hamidi · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This workshop paper proposes a framework for understanding the evolution of accessibility research through three "waves" and argues that the field needs to broaden significantly into what the authors call "third wave accessibility." The first wave of accessibility research was…

  accessibility research · disability studies · inclusive design · intersectionality · research methodology

• Accessibility Research and Users with Multiple Disabilities or Complex Needs

  Arthur Theil, Craig Anderton, Chris Creed, Nasrine Olson, Raymond John Holt, Sayan Sarcar · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This workshop paper argues that accessibility research has historically oversimplified disability by focusing on single categories of impairment, and calls for a fundamental shift toward inclusive research that addresses the needs of people living with multiple disabilities or…

  multiple disabilities · complex needs · assistive technology · research methodology · inclusive design

• Comparing Natural Language and Vibro-Audio Modalities for Inclusive STEM Learning with Blind and Low Vision Users

  Justin R. Brown, Stacy A. Doore, Justin K. Dimmel, Norbert Giudice, Nicholas A. Giudice · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This study evaluates a multimodal touchscreen diagram system (MDS v 2.0) built on an iPhone that provides blind and low vision (BLV) users with two non-visual methods for accessing graphical STEM content: natural language (NL) descriptions delivered via VoiceOver text-to-speech,…

  blind and low vision · STEM accessibility · data visualization · haptic technology · multimodal interaction

• Understanding Digital Content Creation Needs of Blind and Low Vision People

  Lotus Zhang, Simon Sun, Leah Findlater · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This mixed-method study investigates the digital content creation needs, interests, and experiences of blind and low vision (BLV) people through a large-scale survey (N=165) and follow-up interviews (N=15). The research addresses a gap in accessibility research, which has…

  blind and low vision · content creation · creativity · digital accessibility · screen readers

• Designing While Blind: Nonvisual Tools and Inclusive Workflows for Tactile Graphic Creation

  Lauren Race, Chancey Fleet, Danielle Montour, Lindsay Yazzolino, Marco Salsiccia, Claire Ferrari, Sheri Wells-Jensen, Amy Hurst · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2023)

  This experience report examines the challenges and opportunities of Blind-led tactile graphic design, documenting a project where a team of four Blind designers, one sighted designer, and one sighted researcher collaborated to create tactile graphics for AstroAccess, a nonprofit…

  tactile graphics · blindness · co-design · inclusive design · nonvisual design