Software Assistive Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Guidelines for Building Accessible and Usable Interfaces, a Review of Assistive Technologies and Accessibility Problems

Assistive technologies are hardware or software tools which help people with disabilities when they use technologies. For computer users assistive technologies include a set of input and output devices and software (screen reader, screen magnifier, Braille display, printed Braille, raised paper, and haptic technology). Developing assistive technology for the visually impaired users requires from the interface designer providing several choices for the user to access the computer. Accessible interfaces will not only benefit people with visual disabilities and elderly people but also it will benefit other user groups. A more accessible interface can be used by mobile technologies and users with low internet speed.

Iyad Abu Doush is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Yarmouk University. He has experience in the field of assistive technology and multi-modal interfaces. Other research interests include web accessibility and collaborative virtual environments.