Augmenting the Spatial Perception Capabilities of Users Who Are Blind

People who are blind face a series of challenges and limitations resulting from their lack of being able to see, forcing them to either seek the assistance of a sighted individual or work around the challenge by way of a inefficient adaptation (e.g. following the walls in a room in order to reach a door rather than walking in a straight line to the door). These challenges are directly related to blind users' lack of the spatial perception capabilities normally provided by the human vision system. In order to overcome these spatial perception related challenges, modern technologies can be used to convey spatial perception data through sensory substitution interfaces. This work is the culmination of several projects which address varying spatial perception problems for blind users. First we consider the development of non-visual natural user interfaces for interacting with large displays. This work explores the haptic interaction space in order to find useful and efficient haptic encodings for the spatial layout of items on large displays. Multiple interaction techniques are presented which build on prior research (Folmer et al. 2012), and the efficiency and usability of the most efficient of these encodings is evaluated with blind children. Next we evaluate the use of wearable technology in aiding navigation of blind individuals through large open spaces lacking tactile landmarks used during traditional white cane navigation. We explore the design of a computer vision application with an unobtrusive aural interface to minimize veering of the user while crossing a large open space. Together, these projects represent an exploration into the use of modern technology in augmenting the spatial perception capabilities of blind users

Isolation of Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolase Genes in the Malpighian Tubules of the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca Sexta

Understanding the regulation of Juvenile Hormone (JH) titer in insects is critical for understanding the biochemical processes related to metamorphosis. The cDNAs from several potential isoforms of the enzyme Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolase have been isolated from the Malpighian tubules of Manduca sexta. Modified PCR methods are being used to search for any other potential isoforms of this enzyme that may be contained in a Malpighian tubule expressed sequence tag library. To date, this protocol has yielded three potential genes, in addition to the two originally isolated. Future research will allow the creation of baculovirus vectors containing the isolated potential JHEH genes and the identified isoforms will be expressed in an insect cell culture. The isoforms will be assayed for activity in metabolizing the three forms of JH present in M. sexta through the use of radiolabeled JH’s

Challenges and opportunities in using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies: Design considerations for adults with severe disabilities

There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the value of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies for children and adults with complex communication needs. Despite these advancements, we have found that adults with severe intellectual disabilities and their families still face many challenges when learning about and using traditional AAC technologies. The majority of adult individuals with severe disabilities in our study have prior experiences with using various AAC devices, yet a high rate of abandonment is noted. Under such circumstances and in order to support more effective design and increased use of AAC, it is important to look beyond the interaction with dedicated AAC devices, and gain a better understanding of AAC use, practices and care support. In a sixmonth study that comprised participating in speech therapy sessions and working together with families, support workers and adults with severe disabilities, we lay out the foundations for a design framework that needs to consider a) current AAC cultural status b) modelling of AAC use c) creation of AAC user-friendly environments and d) personalization of AAC dedicated devices and the potential for AAC tangible (mid-Tech) alternatives. We conclude with implications for design.</p