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The project is developing a series of roadmaps for future research and development in the area of accessible and assistive information and communication technology systems.
In particular it will concentrate on:
- inclusive human-machine interactions
- network-based applications
- systems and services supporting accessibility
- the transfer process itself, which includes the transfer of technology and the making of the business case
Various techniques are being used including structured dialogue and Wiki discussion groups as well as direct contact with key players. The project team would welcome your input - please contact Prof Patrick Roe to discuss how best to use your contribution.
Overall Objectives
For many people with disabilities accessibility of information and communication technology systems is determined by whether they can easily operate the user interface. In recent years there have been dramatic changes in user interface design particularly for mobile and hand-held devices. In some cases this has meant that a previously accessible device is no longer accessible.
A roadmap is being developed to produce:
- Clear proposals on what technologies need to be supported. E.g. Eye tracking, Voice/gesture reckoning, Wearable devices, Smart displays, etc.
- Clear inputs on what methodologies have to be investigated. E.g.. Adaptive UI design, Accessibility evaluation guidelines (for devices, services and applications)
- Clear contributions on what kind of tools should be developed. E.g.. Automatic accessibility verification/design tools, Accessible User Interface Description Languages, etc.
Specific Objectives
Technology Transfer of Assistive and Accessible Information and Communication Technology Systems
Technology transfer refers to the process of taking a device, system or service from laboratory prototype to being generally available with the appropriate support available to the consumers. This has long been an area of significant concern since relatively few novel products or services for people with disabilities successfully transfer into being affordable by people with disabilities. The area of assistive technology is different from that of accessible mainstream information and communication technology systems, but there are some common problems.
The Cardiac project organised a workshop in 2011 to develop a roadmap for this area. Visit the CARDIAC website to view the reports.