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

Wireless RERC Launches Latest Survey of User Needs!

Mz22 — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 21:16:34 +0000

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Inclusive Technologies (Wireless RERC) announces the launch of its updated Survey of User Needs (SUN). The SUN is the Wireless RERC's cornerstone survey on wireless technology use by people with disabilities. It has been completed by over 7,500 consumers with disabilities since it was first launched in 2001.

This latest version represents the 6th version of the survey, which is updated periodically in response to changes in technology. In addition to questions about cell phone and tablet use, this latest version of the SUN collects information about wearables, "smart" home technologies, and other next-generation wirelessly connected devices. User responses will help designers and engineers make new wireless devices and services for people with disabilities. Data from the SUN also provides important information to the wireless industry, government regulators, and other researchers to help them make wireless technology more accessible and more useful to people with all types of disabilities.

The survey is available at http://b.gatech.edu/2yvCHnz

If you have a disability please consider taking this survey. If you know someone who has a disability, please forward the survey to them. Thank you!

Proceedings of the Wireless RERC 2021 State of Technology Forum

Mz22 — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:44:16 +0000

Publication Type:

Papers

Products

The Wireless RERC convened the Virtual State of Technology (SoT) Forum 2020One on March 23-24, 2021. The 2021 virtual SoT was a focused, robust event, with a lively, informed, and diverse group of attendees representing the research community, people with disabilities, industry, technologists, advocates, policymakers, and disability service providers who explored the state of, and emerging trends in, inclusive wireless technologies and applications.

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.

Date of Publication:

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

New Application Enables People who are Non-Verbal to Access Voice-Activated Smart Home Devices

Mz22 — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:08:37 +0000

Publication Type:

Products

August 11, 2021 – The IDEAL Group is pleased to announce the release of the Smart Home Helper (SHH). SHH is a free Android app (available on the Google Play Store) that enables individuals who are nonverbal and individuals with speech disorders 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 its 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 users of the app. SHH development was funded by The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Inclusive Technologies’ (Wireless RERC).

About Voice-Controlled Smart Home Devices:

In the U.S., home-based, voice-controlled devices represent a rapidly growing market. Key players include Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, Microsoft’s Cortana, Samsung’s Bixby and the Google Assistant. According to 16best.net and IDC:

Over 60 million people in the U.S. own 157 million smart speakers.
At least one voice-activated smart speaker is owned by 53 million Americans.
The number of smart homes worldwide is expected to be 451 million in 2025.
Global smart home device shipments are expected to reach 1.4 billion in 2025.

Why SHH is important:

Given the benefits of voice-controlled smart home devices, those who lack the ability to speak, or who can speak clearly are not able to fully take advantage of these devices. The SHH was developed to level the playing field by enhancing the accessibility of these devices.

Nonverbal Statistics:

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 70 million people worldwide stutter (about 1% of the population). In the United States, this represents over 3 million people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Autism Speaks, an estimated 30,000,000 people with autism worldwide are nonverbal.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dysarthria is a speech disorder that happens because of muscle weakness. Motor speech disorders like dysarthria result from damage to the nervous system. Researchers don’t know exactly how common dysarthria is. It is more common in people who have certain neurological conditions, such as:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Up to 30% of people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) have dysarthria.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): Around 25% to 50% of people with MS get dysarthria at some point.
Parkinson’s disease: Dysarthria affects 70% to 100% of people with Parkinson’s disease.
Stroke: About 8% to 60% of people with stroke have dysarthria.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Some 10% to 65% of people with TBI have dysarthria.

Download Smart Home Helper from the Google Play Store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idealgroup.aaucommand

Smart Home Helper User Documentation

https://smart-home-helper.web.app/user-documentation

Acknowledgments:

The Smart Home Helper (SHH) and supporting materials were developed by The IDEAL Group with funding from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Inclusive Technologies (Wireless RERC).

Date of Publication:

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Wireless on the Record: NTIA Survey Comments Urge NTIA to Ensure Equitable Processes in Survey Distribution

dbright7@gatech.edu — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 12:47:03 +0000

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

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. [Source: Wireless RERC]

Date of Publication:

Monday, July 26, 2021

Wireless RERC on the Record: RERC's CVAA Comments Encourage Increased Accessibility

dbright7@gatech.edu — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:51:45 +0000

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

July 6, 2021 – The Wireless RERC submitted reply comments in response to the FCC’s Public Notice Update on Commission's Fulfillment Of The Twenty-First Century Communications And Video Accessibility [GN Docket No. 21-140]. We agreed with the American Council of the Blind (ACB) statement that "The Commission should review how people with multiple disabilities are served by accessible communications technology and services. This should be done with a very wide lens to encompass all forms of sensory, cognitive, and physical disability." We cited that our studies have found that accessibility features are not uniformly available in all phone models, and gaps in the accessibility experience persist, especially for people with co-occurring disabilities. The comments of the Alliance of Automotive Innovation provided us the opportunity to state “that accessibility innovations should be co-created with consumers with disabilities and that the automotive industry adheres to CVAA requirements to include people with disabilities in the design and development phases of advanced communications features incorporated into connected and automated vehicles. It is essential to proactively include stakeholders within the disability community in AV design and development to enhance the utility of this technology for people with disabilities.”

In response to CTIA’s comments, we addressed ensuring that consumers with disabilities are aware of device features. At a recent focus group comprised of individuals who are blind, a participant, while discussing his use of the iPhone, stated he wanted to connect it to Alexa, "but I'm not sure if there is an Alexa app." We asserted that attending to issues of independent setup and accessible documentation and communication of device features speaks to the "usability" requirements of the CVAA. "A product or service is "usable" if it provides individuals with disabilities with the full functionality and documentation for the product or service, including instructions, product or service information (including accessible feature information), customer support, and technical support."^{^[1]} Regarding technical support specifically, CTIA commented that "Recently, Apple announced new accessibility features, including AssistiveTouch to watchOS, which allows users with mobility limitations to control their device, and SignTime, which enables people who are deaf and hard of hearing to communicate with AppleCare and Apple Retail staff in sign language." Excellent! We hope that such accessible and inclusive business practices become the industry standard. [Source: Wireless RERC]

[1]47 CFR §§ 6.3(l), 7.3(l), 14.21(c); see also 47 CFR §§ 6.11, 7.11, 14.20(d), 14.60(b)(4).

Date of Publication:

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

FirstNet – Survey of Individuals with Disabilities' Experiences with First Responders

Mz22 — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 15:02:54 +0000

We want to better understand the experiences of people with disabilities when they interact with first responders (fire, police, or EMS) and what you would like first responders to know about you for any future interactions. If you identify as an individual with hearing, vision, mobility, and dexterity disabilities we especially welcome your participation.

To participate you must be:

Over the age of 18
Fluent in English
Not located in the European Union (EU).

This survey is expected to take 10-20 minutes to complete. If you are interested, please use this link to complete the survey. https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1H8O9Qyhuc5KAcK.

Note that there is no compensation for participation.

Date of Publication:

Thursday, July 8, 2021

FirstNet – First Responder Survey

Mz22 — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:53:19 +0000

FirstNet is in the process of considering user-interface design and development, including understanding what the experiences of first responders are like when they interact with individuals who have disabilities (sensory or mobility impairments). This will eliminate the need for ‘retrofitting’ the system once it has been established.

To better understand the conditions that first responders must address, we are conducting a survey of first responders (Ends July 31, 2021).

We are interested in the interactions that first responders have with people with disabilities and what first responders would want to know about these individuals for any future interactions. If you are an active first responder (fire, police, or EMS) you are eligible even if you have never had any interactions with people with disabilities; we are still interested in your thoughts and opinions!

To participate you must be:

Over the age of 18
An active first responder (Fire, Police, or EMS)
Fluent in English
Not located in the European Union (EU).

This survey is expected to take 10-20 minutes to complete. If you are interested, please use this link https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rmpyto6uW1LVSS.

Note that there is no compensation for participation.

Date of Publication:

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Wireless RERC on the Record: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS)

dbright7@gatech.edu — Thu, 06 May 2021 02:40:21 +0000

Publication Type:

Policy Filings

May 2021 — The Wireless RERC 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. By expanding the alert class, agencies responsible for detecting the threat have the authority to issue the alert. We also concurred with CTIA and NYCEM’s recommendations to relabel the alerts “Federal” instead of “Presidential” or “National” because of news response regarding public perceptions of this label. We also agree that the term presidential is unfortunately inflammatory and may elicit responses contrary to the intention of the emergency message specifically (e.g., protective action) and the system entirely (i.e., public trust) because a small qualitative study of Georgia Tech personnel in 2018 showed that mobile phone users mentioned a preference for receiving the WEA test without the title "Presidential Alert" and would like to have seen the notification titled along the lines of "National WEA Test." As asserted by CTIA, "the effectiveness of emergency alerting will be lost if people simply ignore or opt-out of receiving these critical messages." Finally, the WirelessRERC supported previous recommendations to alert the public about new alert labels based on our survey data on WEA response based on user knowledge.

Date of Publication:

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Forum Branding

Mz22 — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 19:51:16 +0000

Date of Publication:

Monday, March 8, 2021

Wireless RERC Research Informs the FCC's 2020 Biennial Report to Congress

dbright7@gatech.edu — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:57:58 +0000

October 2020 — The FCC submitted their 2020 Biennial Report to Congress [CG Docket No. 10-213; DA 20-1164] required by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). Wireless RERC comments have been referenced thirty-three times throughout the Report. The first set of Wireless RERC observations included in the Report concerned smartphone accessibility. The Wireless RERC is referenced regarding its comment that its study included people who have “vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility disabilities” and that the accessibility and usability of devices have “steadily increased,” but that “some gaps remain.” The Wireless RERC observation that voice technology helps people with cognitive disabilities send texts and emails is also noted. Regarding smart speakers, the Wireless RERC statement that the “inability of smart speakers to understand atypical speech patterns presents an accessibility barrier” is quoted. Additionally, Wireless RERC observations on Google’s Project Euphonia are noted -- how the project is seeking to make speech recognition systems accessible to people with atypical speech patterns through improved speech-to-text transcription for people who have significantly slurred speech.

The next set of Wireless RERC comments included are about alternative smart technologies. The Wireless RERC finding that successful technologies developed on smartphones are being replicated in other use cases is included, noting that the Wireless RERC survey included questions on smart speakers, tablets, smartwatches, and smart eyeglasses. The Wireless RERC finding about the recent inclusion of voice assistants with smart devices is also noted. Next, the Report includes the Wireless RERC’s note that smart speakers can enable users who are blind to access news and information and control smart home technologies independently. However, the Report includes the Wireless RERC comment that despite this, some smart home devices still require users with vision disabilities to rely on sighted assistance and that improving voice controls to match in-app options would improve device accessibility. Finally, this section of the Report recognizes the Wireless RERC’s assertion that users need more guidance on the available features that can be activated through voice control.

In relation to pairing with peripheral devices and related functionality, Wireless RERC support for the continued incorporation of “device-to-device connectivity” is noted. As Wireless RERC states, inter-device connectivity allows people with disabilities to use external assistive technologies, boosting their use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that advance independent living and social inclusion. The Wireless RERC observation that biometric login is being included more broadly and limits dependency on memory and mobility/dexterity when unlocking a device is also noted.

Following pairing, comments about improvements in accessibility are included. The Wireless RERC noted that accessibility and usability have generally improved for “people with vision disabilities.” Further, the Wireless RERC commented that feature phones include various accessibility features like built-in text-to-speech, full access screen reader, braille access, and more are included in the Report. With regards to software updates in feature phones, the Wireless RERC statement that system updates have negatively impacted the user’s configuration of accessibility options was included in the Report to Congress. Overall, the Wireless RERC findings highlighted that mobile phones' accessibility has continued to improve, with most smartphone users being able to use them without help from other people.

Regarding usability, the Wireless RERC statement that sometimes providers do not provide an easily discoverable way to locate relevant information about accessibility features. The Wireless RERC is quoted in saying that the “difficulty in locating information about specific features is in itself an important result, […] as people with disabilities may have functional limitations [in comparing phone models] that necessitate certain accessibility features for the phone to be usable by them (e.g., video calling capabilities, HAC, screen reader, AT connection.” To address this barrier, the Report includes the Wireless RERC recommendation to train in-store employees about disability etiquette and accessibility features and provide a stable method of in-store customer support for those with disabilities.

In conclusion, concerning continued industry partnerships, the Report highlights the Wireless RERC encouragement for mobile manufacturers “to continue to incorporate users with disabilities into all stages of the design process” to improve accessibility and usability.