Wireless Inclusive RERC| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA - Industry

2021 Nationwide WEA Test Survey Results

Mz22 — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:04:40 +0000

Date of Publication:

2022 September

This paper aims to examine Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) effectiveness in eliciting protective action responses from people with disabilities. We examine varying mechanisms including WEA signal notification type and demographic characteristics.

2021_nationwide_wea_test_survey_results.pdf

The Wireless Emergency Alerts Video Platform: Emergency Alerts in Many Formats Allow Access for All

Mz22 — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:33:42 +0000

Date of Publication:

2022 September

This research brief reports on developing a software app that demonstrates the technical feasibility of providing WEA messages in multiple formats, namely text-based messages, spoken messages, symbology, and ASL video with captions, to improve the accessibility of the messages for all receivers. The results of a usability study examining how people who are Deaf understand the emergency messages in multiple formats are also described.

research_brief-_the_wea_video_platform_002.docx

Battery Extension Tool: A study of smartphone battery demand and conservation modes

Mz22 — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 14:15:23 +0000

Date of Publication:

2022 September

The project surveyed power controls that currently exist within current mobile operating systems and evaluated the battery demand of wireless devices, comparing typical operation with optimal battery operation while various accessibility apps are in use. These data were analyzed to develop recommendations for best practices for battery charge extension of wireless devices. A proof-of-concept, customizable user interface prototype app, the Battery Extension Tool (BET), was developed to allow users with disabilities to implement these best practices while retaining access to their accessibility software.

research_brief_-_effects_of_active_accessibility_features_on_smartphone_battery_drain.pdf

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights – Final Issue 2021

Mz22 — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 12:20:38 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 October

In September, the FCC celebrated Lifeline Awareness Week from the 20^th through the 24^th to bring attention to the Lifeline program and increase enrollment of eligible households. While in August, the Senate passed a $550 billion bill entitled the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In the Act, there are specific federal provisions related to broadband. This newsletter highlights the six major provisions that the bill outlines to improve broadband and wireless connectivity in the United States. Of note, many of the provisions aim to decrease the digital divide and offer substantial funding to achieve these goals. In efforts to decrease disparities in emergency response, the House of Representatives saw the introduction of the Information Sharing and Advanced Communication Alerting Act (ISAAC) [H.R. 5208]. This legislation seeks to establish a requirement for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC)’s Technological Advisory Council to produce a report on the feasibility of establishing a 9-1-1 disability alerting system (DAS). H.R. 5208 directs the FCC to explore a process that permits users to create, within DAS, a profile associated with an individual with a disability containing pertinent information such as whether the individual is nonverbal, can be combative under stress or anxiety, or is a wandering risk.

In other regulatory news, the FCC released statements about two new programs related to digital equity. To address affordable communications, in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [CG Docket No. 12-375], the FCC is extending its request for public input on the functionally equivalent access and affordability of telecommunications for incarcerated persons with disabilities. This month also marks the release of the FCC’s broadband map, which demonstrates connectivity and broadband access by the four major wireless carriers across the country.

In Wireless RERC news, the Proceedings of the Wireless RERC 2021 State of Technology Forum is now available online. The Forum Proceedings is an interactive document with papers, presentations, videos, and bios from the two-day event. Further, it opens with a summation of the event and closes with a chapter on key activities to pursue to ensure inclusion is always at the forefront of wireless technology, design, development, and deployment.

Funded by Wireless RERC, the Smart Home Helper (SHH) app, developed by The IDEAL Group, was released on the Google Play Store. SHH is a free Android app that enables individuals who are nonverbal and individuals with speech disabilities such as stuttering, apraxia, and dysarthria to issue verbal commands to voice-activated smart home devices using Android’s Text-to-Speech engine. SHH enables users to issue smart home commands in any one of 63 languages/dialects. Smart home voice commands can easily be created, organized, and shared with other app users.

Other items of interest include a study examining the communities served by the BeltLine and whether it can be used as an emergency management asset. (Take the Atlanta BeltLine Survey)

This issue also includes news about the latest Android accessibility updates, assistive technology, Spectrum Innovation Zone, AI, Accessible Kiosks, Evinced, MakerSpace, Voice Commands, and more.

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_final_issue_2021.docx

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_final_issue_2021.pdf

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights – July 2021

Mz22 — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:57:44 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 August

July marked the 31^st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As large gatherings are still approached with great trepidation, many advocates and members of the disability community celebrated virtually. President Biden, a co-sponsor of landmark legislation, released a Proclamation affirming the rights and protections of people with disabilities. Including equitable access to opportunities to increase economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and social inclusion. The National Council on Disability stated in a press release, “As a community, we are far better off today because of those civil rights protections than we were 31 years ago. We do, however, have a considerable amount of work to do to fully realize that promise.”

In regulatory news, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released statements about two new programs related to digital equity. The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program provides schools and libraries with grant funding to ensure students and economically vulnerable populations remain connected with digital devices. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program has provided over four million households with discount vouchers to make internet connectivity affordable. Also, in an effort to addressed affordable communications, in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [CG Docket No. 12-375], the FCC is requesting public input on the functionally equivalent access and affordability of telecommunications for incarcerated persons with disabilities.

In Wireless RERC news, we submitted comments related to two matters: NTIA Draft Internet Use Survey and a Review of the CVAA. Both are summarized on pages 7-9 in the newsletter. We are also collecting data on several surveys. The wireless RERC’s first responder network project wants your input. We want to understand the experiences of people with disabilities when they interact with first responders (Take the Survey). We are also interested in first responders' interactions with people with disabilities (Take the First Responder Survey). Finally, Wireless RERC researcher, LaForce, wants to understand which communities are being served by the Atlanta BeltLine and how the BeltLine can be used as a pedestrian evacuation route preceding or in the wake of a disaster event (Take the Atlanta BeltLine Survey).

This issue also includes news about the nationwide test of WEA, adapted toys, AAC, eye-tracking tech, accessibility awareness, accessiBe, disability representation, and more.

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_july_2021.docx

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_july_2021.pdf

Wireless RERC on the Record: NTIA Survey Comments Encourage Accessibility of Survey Dissemination Processes

dbright7@gatech.edu — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:38:39 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 July

July 26, 2021 – The Wireless RERC submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding their request for input on the draft Internet Use Survey. A 67-question survey that they anticipate adding to the November 2021 edition of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). A focus of our comments was ensuring that interviewers conducting personal visits are properly equipped to communicate with people who have disabilities. Suggesting that the interviewers be prepared to offer accommodations. As it pertains to the accuracy of the NTIA’s estimated time, cost burden, and methodology for disseminating the survey, Wireless RERC comments indicated some concerns related to the distribution methodology. Specifically, the RERC asserted that NTIA and the Census Bureau provide an online option to complete the survey designed to work with screen reader technology for respondents who are blind or have low vision. As a counter to extensive in-person interviewing teams, the Wireless RERC proposed a “mail-in” and online option so that people with and without disabilities can engage with this survey without unnecessary exposure to others.

Regarding the quality and quantity of survey questions, the RERC shared that the survey tool should be designed to facilitate nuanced analyses along sociodemographic dimensions that include disability. To that end, the Wireless RERC also recommended that NTIA add questions that would facilitate increased understanding of the various types of technology people with disabilities use to access the Internet and its content—asserting that the resultant data could facilitate the development of broadband affordability and utilization strategies. The comments urged NTIA to ensure that survey questions be clear, concise, and provided in accessible formats and with appropriate disability access accommodations (e.g., ASL, captions). The comments concluded by noting how the suggested revisions will advance the quality content of the survey questions and aid researchers in producing improved filing recommendations. We underscored the importance of considering the accessibility and usability of internet services and the consequential inclusion of people with disabilities in the broader design of data collection that informs public policy. We contend that any national survey tool designed to gather data on the state of technology use in the USA should include questions regarding disability and accessibility. Gathering such data will allow for identifying barriers to internet use and technology adoption by people with disabilities, assisting organizations, manufacturers, developers, and policymakers in devising the appropriate strategies to create a more accessible and usable broadband environment.

ntia_cps_supplement_comments_of_the_wireless_rerc.docx

ntia_internet_use_survey_comments_of_the_wireless_rerc_final.pdf

Survey of User Needs, SUNspot 1 Use of Mobile Phones by Individuals with Disabilities, 2019-2020

dbright7@gatech.edu — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:51:23 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 July

This research brief presents findings from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Inclusive Technologies’ (Wireless RERC) Survey of User Needs (SUN) for 2019-2020. We present key findings regarding mobile phone use and satisfaction by consumers with disabilities. A total of 219 respondents, or 98.3%, of users who responded indicated owning or using a wireless device such as a traditional cell phone, smartphone, tablet, or wearable device.

survey_of_user_needs_sunspot_1_use_of_mobile_phones_by_individuals_with_disabilities_2019-2020.docx

Survey of User Needs, SUNspot 2 Use of Wireless Technology Features and Wireless Device Activities by Individuals with Disabilities, 2019-2020

Mz22 — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 12:37:57 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 July

This report presents findings from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wireless Inclusive Technologies’ (Wireless RERC) Survey of User Needs (SUN) for 2019-2020. In this report, we present key findings regarding the use of wireless technology features by SUN respondents, including real-time-text, intelligent assistants, and visual and audio display options. We also discuss the use of wireless devices by individuals with disabilities for a variety of activities. Whereas SUNspot 1 focused on the devices themselves, this report focuses primarily on the capabilities built into those devices and their relationship to users’ reported functional limitations and difficulties.

updated.sunspot2_2021-02_final_wireless_technology_features_used_by_individuals_with_disabilities_2020_1.pdf

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights – May 2021

Mz22 — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:19:20 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 June

Throughout May, the world celebrated Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The U.S. Access Board published a press release commemorating the progress of accessibility in the country. They acknowledged their accessibility and inclusion programming over the last few months leading up to GAAD. Individuals or companies looking to improve their accessibility practices can take one of GAAD’s virtual training sessions and learn more about digital accessibility guidelines and standards. Across social media, the hashtags #GAAD2021 and #GAAD circulated, and a host of entities held events, speakers, and tech companies released a plethora of digital devices that center on accessibility. For instance, Google announced the computer mouse panning feature that makes screen content more visible and more accessible to engage with for people with visual disabilities.

In regulatory news, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) released a Public Notice extending the deadline for stakeholders to submit commentary on whether rules implementing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) need updating. Essentially, the Commission is open to hearing about new advanced communications accessibility priorities that have come about as a result of technological change and existing CVAA proceedings that need more rapid progression and resolution.

In Wireless RERC news, we submitted reply comments to the FCC in response to their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry in The Matter of Amendment of Part II of the Commission’s Rules Regarding the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts [PS Docket No. 15-94; 15-91]. In our reply comments, we indicated support for expanding the Presidential alert class to allow activation by FEMA. Regarding WEA accessibility, among other things, we recommended that the FCC bring academic research findings to bear on federal policy and regulations concerning the accessibility of the content of emergency messages, specifically as it relates to the use of plain language instead of jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms that diminish accessibility.

This issue also includes news about AskSARA AT Tool, Social Media, Remote Wireless Charging, Brain-to-Text, Eye-gaze Technology, Earswitch, Robotics, and more.

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_may_2021.docx

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_may_2021.pdf

Technology and Disability Policy Highlights – Spring 2021

Mz22 — Fri, 14 May 2021 14:07:54 +0000

Date of Publication:

2021 May

During March, disability advocates and members of the community celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) coordinated with state and local municipal governments to raise awareness for better inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of human life. Each year a resource guide is curated and includes videos, toolkits, photos, personal stories, promising practices, and more.

In regulatory news, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) moved forward proceedings concerning (1) whether updates are needed to FCC rules implementing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), (2) emergency communications, and (3) telehealth. The FCC adopted a Report and Order to provide objective evaluation metrics for healthcare providers’ applications for funding. Regarding emergency communications, the FCC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Notice of Inquiry (NOI) [PS Docket Nos. 15-91 and 15-94], concerning, among other things allowing federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, authority to initiate presidential alerts under a new “national” emergency alert class (NPRM) and whether it is technically feasible to deliver EAS alerts through the internet, including through streaming services (NOI).

In Wireless RERC news, we convened our State of Technology Forum, examining the evolving nature and capacities of wireless technologies and identifying opportunities to meet a range of community needs for access, equity, and inclusion. The program comprised a series of discussion-based sessions focused on the role of research, development, and stakeholder engagement in advancing the full social inclusion of people with disabilities. The discussions were punctuated by Rapid Fire Research Demos, Lightning Development Demos, and selected paper presentations. R&D Showcase Videos included: Augmented Reality as a Design Tool, Socially Assistive Robot for Respite Care, Inclusive Emergency Lifelines, Wearable Technology Designer’s Web Tool, and the Tactile Graphics Helper.

This issue also includes news about the internet of things, socialbots, assistive technology, brain-computer interfaces, autonomous vehicles, robotic pets, and more.

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_march-april_2021.docx

technology_and_disability_policy_highlights_-_march-april_2021.pdf