ICT support for visually impaired individuals

Abstract

Background and Objective: Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in accessing information due to difficulties in reading, writing, and mobility, resulting in an information disadvantage. The advent of assistive technologies such as PC-Talker and audio browsers in the 1990s, and smartphones with accessibility features like VoiceOver since 2009, has improved information access. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intermediate outreach ICT support provided at the Low Vision Clinic.

Method: The study included 75 participants (34 females, 41 males) aged 7-84 years (mean: 41.6 ± 25.6 years) who received ICT support at Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. A total of 144 sessions were conducted over 34 months. Personalized support, including device setup and accessibility adjustments, was provided by staff from the Niigata City ICT Support Center and Certified Orthoptists. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests with Bonferroni adjustments, were performed using SPSS (p < 0.05).

Results: Of the 144 support cases, 52 were in 2018, 50 in 2019, and 42 in 2020. iPad-related support was most common in 2018 (87 cases, 53.0%), while smartphone support increased significantly in 2020 (49 cases, 46.2%). By age group, iPad usage was highest in the School-age group (88 cases, 51.5%), whereas smartphone and smart speaker usage were predominant in the Elder-age group (53 cases, 51.0%). Middle-age participants utilized personal computers and AI tools more frequently.

Conclusion: Intermediate outreach ICT support enhanced service delivery by integrating personalized assistance within clinical settings. Its implementation alongside medical care shows promise for improving access and usability of assistive technologies.