Work

The AT Effect

Year: 2016

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Wearable computing devices offer new possibilities to increase accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities. However, the adoption of such devices may be influenced by social factors, and useful devices may not be adopted if they are considered inappropriate to use. While public policy may adapt to support accommodations for assistive technology, emerging technologies may be unfamiliar or unaccepted by bystanders. We surveyed 1200 individuals about the use of a head-mounted display in a public setting, examining how information about the user's disability affected judgments of the social acceptability of the scenario. Our findings reveal that observers considered head-mounted display use more socially acceptable if the device was being used to support a person with a disability.

Source: CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

DOI: 10.1145/2858036.2858130

Authors: Halley Profita, Reem Albaghli, Leah Findlater, Paul Jaeger, Shaun K. Kane

Institutions: University of Colorado Boulder, University of Maryland, College Park

Language: English

Topic: Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Science Foundation