Program Lead/Presenter: Cheri Wiggs, Ph.D., Low Vision and Blindness Rehabilitation Program
Council Date: October 13, 2023
Goal:
The goal of this initiative is to stimulate translational efforts in developing and implementing accessibility devices for individuals living with visual impairment. This objective aligns with an important part of the National Eye Institute’s mission, which is to improve quality of life through vision research and to drive innovative research to expand opportunities for people who are blind or require vision rehabilitation.
Rationale:
Despite medical advances made in treating and preventing blinding diseases and disorders, many remain incurable and result in impaired vision. According to the CDC, approximately 1M Americans are blind and 6M Americans live with low vision, an impairment that is not correctable with surgery, glasses, or contact lenses and hampers one’s ability to function in daily life.
The National Eye Institute’s extramural portfolio includes projects supporting productivity and quality of life for people affected by visual impairment. Accessibility technology development, in particular, holds promise for fulfilling one of the NEI’s strategic planning “bold predictions.” The current rapid growth and innovating of technology provides opportunities to transform accessibility efforts. Widespread computing advancements and sophistication, availability of portable and wearable technologies, and the potential for fast and affordable dissemination hold promise for impactful accessibility technology development with significant real-world impact. oriented trial projects.
Objectives and Scope:
The objective of this initiative is to push the boundaries of innovation in technology development to address accessibility needs of individuals with visual impairment. Examples of opportunities include (but are not limited to):
- Integrate 3D-motion sensing and software engineering to design mobile app wayfinding solutions for complex environments
- Enhance keyboard versatility and accessibility via newly engineered materials, wearable designs, or voice-powered technology
- Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to advance screen reader technology, optimize object recognition, relay dynamic digital content, or improve alt text descriptions
- Combine 3D imaging and printing in map development, tactile graphical and diagram displays, or STEM instruction
- Incorporate multisensory displays (sonification, haptic, tactile) in virtual reality systems to convey visual information
- Engineer advances in smart braille devices (e.g., multi-line refreshable braille displays)
Projects developed under this initiative would be required to engage transdisciplinary expertise (e.g., engineering, computer science, psychophysics, behavioral science, ergonomics, rehabilitation science, individuals with lived experience) to ensure the new technologies successfully address real-world challenges.