Writing about accessibility

The 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (AS-SETS) is considered one of the premium forums for research on accessibility. Recently, Mack et al. shed light on the demographics, goals, research methodologies, and evolution of accessibility research over time. We extend their work by exploring the frequencies and trends of disability categories and computer science research domains in publications at ASSETS (N =1,678). Our results show that disability categories and research domains varied signifcantly across the publication years. We found that in the past 10 years, publications targeting Mental-Health-Related disabilities and the research domain of AR/VR show an increasing trend. In opposition, Gaming, Input Methods/Interaction Techniques, and User Interfaces domains portray a decreasing trend. Additionally, our results show that the majority of the publications utilize the AI/ML/CV/NLP domain (19%) and focus on people with visual disabilities (42%). We share our preliminary exploration results and identify avenues for future work. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing → Accessibility theory, concepts and paradigms; Accessibility design and evaluation methods; • Social and professional topics → People with disabilities.

ACM SIGCAPH Computers and the Physically Handicapped, 2001

arXiv (Cornell University), 2021

The advancement of technology has progressed faster than any other field in the world. And with the development of these new technologies, it is important to make sure that these tools can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessibility options in computing devices help ensure that everyone has the same access to advanced technologies. Unfortunately, for those who require more unique and sometimes challenging accommodations, such as people with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most commonly used accessibility features are simply not enough. While assistive technology for those with ALS does exist, it requires multiple peripheral devices that can become quite expensive collectively. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a more affordable and readily available option for ALS assistive technology that can be implemented on a smartphone or tablet.

Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 2021

Accessibility research has grown substantially in the past few decades, yet there has been no literature review of the field. To understand current and historical trends, we created and analyzed a dataset of accessibility papers appearing at CHI and ASSETS since ASSETS' founding in 1994. We qualitatively coded areas of focus and methodological decisions for the past 10 years (2010-2019, N=506 papers), and analyzed paper counts and keywords over the full 26 years (N=836 papers). Our findings highlight areas that have received disproportionate attention and those that are underserved-for example, over 43% of papers in the past 10 years are on accessibility for blind and low vision people. We also capture common study characteristics, such as the roles of disabled and nondisabled participants as well as sample sizes (e.g., a median of 13 for participant groups with disabilities and older adults). We close by critically reflecting on gaps in the literature and offering guidance for future work in the field. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing~Accessibility~Accessibility theory, concepts and paradigms • Social and professional topics~User characteristics~People with disabilities

2005

6&$(3%-(! In this chapter, the authors explore the relationship of technology to disability, and how technology can be both a source of liberation and an agent of exclusion for disabled people. The impact of the 'digital divide' on people with specific access needs, is examined and discussed, while the physical, cognitive and environmental factors that can contribute to exclusion as a result of technology design and implementation are examined in some depth. Demographic, moral and economic reasons as to why all those involved in the development of technology should take accessibility seriously are presented, while drivers for inclusive design -legislative, technical and economic -are discussed. A review of accessible and inclusive design practice, and the kinds of support that are available from a wide variety of sources for inclusive design is presented -showing that there are ways to minimise exclusion and to promote access. Finally, in looking towards a world where the true potential of technology to enhance the lives of disabled people can be fully reached, an overview is provided of research and development in supporting inclusive design, along with those challenges that remain to be overcome.

2014

The Center on Disabilities at CSUN has been recognized across the world for sponsoring an event that for more than 30 years highlights the possibilities and realities which facilitate the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Over the last three decades, it has truly into the most significant global platform for meeting and exchanging ideas, continually attracting more than 4,000 participants annually. We were once again pleased that the third Call for Papers for the Science/Research Track in 2015 drew a large response of more than 50 leading researchers and academics. A panel of more than 30 highly-qualified peers from around the world formed the program committee and was chaired by Dr. Klaus Miesenberger. The expertise of the program committee ensured that each contribution was expertly and equitably peer-reviewed and only those submissions of the highest caliber were accepted for presentation and publication. Demonstrating a clear focus on scientific excellence, this fourth Journal and the Science/Research Track at the conference, document CSUN's commitment to involve scientific researchers from all over the world to fulfill its mission as a platform of exchange with full cooperation and support of all stakeholders. We would like to thank the authors, the Science/Research Track review panel, the Center on Disabilities team at CSUN, and the editorial staff for their professional support. As always, we are grateful for and appreciate the many participants and partners who have contributed to the Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference throughout the first 31 years. As we begin to move into our 4th decade, we will continue to seek out this support and collaboration and hope you will join us at our 2017 event where we will rebrand the conference as the "CSUN Assistive Technology Conference". Welcome once again to our 4th publication of "The Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities." We hope you will continue to enjoy our endeavors and with your continued support of the Center on Disabilities at CSUN and the annual conference we can all work together in our mission of "changing the world for people with disabilities."

Proceedings of the 18th International Web for All Conference

Accessibility revisited --2

ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, 2008

were substantial; they prepared the call for participation, screened alternative sites for the conference and applications from prospective participants, reviewed options for the meeting agenda, chaired the principal paper and breakout sessions during the meeting, prepared the reports that appear in this document, and assessed seed-grant proposals that will help guide future accessibility research. Special recognition is given to Helen Couclelis, who inspired the proposal for a Varenius initiative on accessibility in the information age.