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Client Report : Assistive Technology

Report No 211894

Prepared for : Angela McCullagh

2 October 2002

Housing Executive

Assistive Technology

Commercial in confidence © Building Research Establishment Ltd 2003

Prepared by

Signature

Name Keith Ross

Position Director for Innovation in Housing

Approved on behalf of BRE

Signature

Name Andrew Williams

Position Managing Director, Knowledge Division

Date

BRE Bucknalls Lane

Garston Watford

Herts WD25 9XX

Tel : 01923 664000 Fax : 01923 664010

Email :

Website : www.bre.co.uk



Executive Summary

This report describes the results of a study into the types of assistive technology (AT) that visually impaired people (VIPs) need, and might become available. The project was undertaken by the Building Research Establishment and funded by the Thomas Pocklington Trust in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The objectives for the project were:

1. To undertake a review of the current state of the market in terms of what is currently available by way of housing–related assistive technology and what the needs are of visually impaired people thereby identifying gaps in the market for assistive products.

2. To hold a workshop with representatives from both the client side and the manufacturing side to raise awareness of the gaps in available technology and hence stimulate the development of equipment to bridge the gaps.

3. To disseminate the findings of the study as widely as is practical.

The work was undertaken in a number of distinct stages, namely a user needs survey, a survey of existing technology, a ‘gap analysis’ to potential new technologies/devices and a workshop with users and other interested parties to discuss the results.

User needs survey

Focus groups with visually impaired people and interviews with organisations representing the interests of VIPs were undertaken to assess what activities in daily life do visually impaired people have problems with; what makes assistive technology useful and appealing; and how do VIPs find out about and obtain assistive technology.

Survey of existing assistive technology

The review focused on assistive technology that was widely available at present, that which could become available soon, that which was currently in development or the subject of current research and what the future possibilities were. The review was undertaken via internet searches (both national and international), and via contacting manufacturers, designers and researchers.

A ‘gap analysis’

The results of the user needs and existing technology surveys were compared to identify issues or problems not being addressed by existing technology with a view to using the workshop to develop outline specifications for new products. The results of the analysis were grouped into six main themes: reading/communication; security; using/setting up electronic equipment; personal care; accidents and housework.



Workshop

The workshop was attended by broad range of people from the visually impaired community, organisations representing the interests of VIPs, manufacturers and researchers. Delegates were split into six facilitated groups, each charged with discussing one of the six themes identified in the gap analysis. The aim was for each group to select the one or two most important issues within their allocated theme and decide upon the best or most likely solution. They were then asked to describe what ideal piece of assistive technology would enable them to cope with the issue in terms of:

What the AT should be like How it would work Whether it was totally new or if it was possible to modify existing solutions Who should be doing what to get the new technology available What were the best dissemination routes to raise awareness

Results

The user needs and existing technology surveys yielded long lists of issues and technologies respectively. Feedback from the user needs survey indicated that it was not possible to generalise about visual impairment in the sense that the needs of the individual depended on a number of factors. These included the type of impairment, how long they had suffered the impairment, familiarity with their environment, the amount of support they obtained from family, friends and the social services and whether or not they had other disabilities as well as the sight disability.

The attributes that they felt assistive technology should have were: reasonable cost; not necessarily high tech (although there was recognition that high tech solutions would be appropriate in some circumstances); where possible the technology should be an ‘add-on’ to existing equipment; socially acceptable (i.e. not stigmatising to the user); offer a choice to the user; and be practical and safe to use. A number of dissemination routes were suggested ranging from word of mouth to mainstream retailers and suppliers.

The survey of existing technology produced an equally diverse list of solutions, ranging from simple magnifiers to smart home technology. The results were divided into four categories which were: low vision related devices; daily living devices; information and communication technology devices; and automatic doors and windows.

The gap analysis revealed two things. Firstly, there are some needs not being served by currently available technology. Examples include opening certain types of package, safety issues and some general housework tasks. Secondly, users have identified a need for assistive technology in situations where there are already a number of solutions available.

The workshops sessions identified a number of specific pieces of technology that it was felt should be given priority. These included

• devices that could read labels on packaging



• a device that improved security when letting people into the home by being better able to identify the visitor

• a universal controller for domestic devices

• a device that allowed clothes to be sorted for style (i.e. matching one item with another in the wardrobe), cleaning regime etc.

• an ‘orientation recognition system’ that would prevent tripping accidents

• a smart or ergonomic washing machine that automatically selected an appropriate wash cycle.

In each case the group listed actions that should be taken by a range of players to enable the technology to be developed. A number of areas for future research also emerged from the workshop. These included:

• A study to look at the potential for electronics in the home

• A look at whether there was a link between accidents and visual impairment

• The production of information on how manufacturers could help VIPs

• Research into home-made assistive technology


BRE Client report number Error! Bookmark not defined. © Building Research Establishment Ltd 2003 Commercial in confidence 5

Contents

1 Background 7 2 Introduction 8 3 User needs survey 9

3.1 Methodology for user needs survey 9 3.2 Results of the user needs survey 9 3.2.1 What should assistive technology be for? 10 3.2.2 What should assistive technology be like? 12 3.2.3 How should assistive technology be made available? 15

4 Survey of existing assistive technology 17 4.1 Methodology for survey of existing AT 17 4.2 Results of the review of existing technology 17 4.2.1 AT widely commercially available at the moment 17 4.2.1.1 Low vision related devices 18 4.2.1.2 Daily living devices 19 4.2.1.3 Information and communication technology devices 20 4.2.1.4 Automatic Doors and Windows 22 4.2.2 AT that could be widely available soon 26 4.2.3 AT that is in development or undergoing research 27 4.2.3.1 Smart Homes 27 4.2.3.2 Other research projects 29 4.2.4 Future possibilities for AT 30

5 Gap analysis – comparison of user needs and existing technology 32

5.1 Methodology for the gap analysis 32 5.2 Results of the gap analysis 32

6 Workshop/seminar 34 6.1 Methodology for conducting breakout sessions 34 6.2 Results from workshop breakout sessions 35 6.2.1 Results of the Reading and Communication breakout group 35 6.2.2 Results from the Security breakout group 38 Points raised: 38 6.2.3 Results from the Electronic Equipment breakout group 42 6.2.4 Results from Personal Care breakout group 46 6.2.5 Results from accidents breakout group 48 6.2.6 Results from Housework breakout group 51 6.2.7 Suggestions for new areas of research emerging from workshop 51

7 Conclusions and discussion 51



References 51 Annex 1: 51 Annex 2: 51

List of Assistive Technology devices from the survey of existing technology 51 annex 3: 51 Annex 4 51

List of delegates to workshop / seminar 51 Annex 5 51

Agenda for the Workshop/seminar 51 Delegate briefing report 51 AGENDA 51

Annex 6 51 Agenda for Breakout sessions 51 Detailed guidance for Facilitators for breakout sessions 51 Breakout session proforma for feedback 51



1 Background

BRE were commissioned by the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) to undertake a study into the needs of visually impaired people and what solutions might be possible (either now or in the future) to meet those needs. The work was carried out in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

In the context of this work visual impairment describes a sight condition that cannot be corrected by prescribed lenses. It includes those with partial sight and those who are totally blind. Many people who are visually impaired may have patchy vision, others will have limited colour awareness, or their ability to judge distances may be affected. In order to alleviate the problems that arise through visual impairment many pieces of ‘assistive technology’ have been developed. The Assistive Technology Act of 1998 defines an "assistive technology device" as any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Following initial discussions with the TPT the following broad outline was agreed for the project:

4. To undertake a review of the current state of the market in terms of what is currently available by way of housing–related assistive technology and what the needs are of visually impaired people thereby identifying gaps in the market for assistive products.

5. To hold a workshop with representatives from both the client side and the manufacturing side to raise awareness of the gaps in available technology and hence stimulate the development of equipment to bridge the gaps.

6. To disseminate the findings of the study as widely as is practical.



2 Introduction

There are many aspects of daily independent living that blind and partially sighted people find more difficult to cope with, particularly if appliances, tools and packaging they are using have not been well designed. Small lettering on food packaging and on the controls of a microwave oven can make the preparation of even a convenience meal almost impossible for somebody who is visually impaired. If there existed a device that could recognise what the cooking requirements of a meal were, and either program the microwave or pass the information to someone by Braille or speech, then someone with no light perception could cook the meal. Both of these approaches, better designed devices and tools, or devices that are of use to a particular section of the community, can be thought of as Assistive Technology.

It may be surprising to think of something as simple as a microwave control with large clear numbers as technology. However, because there is a broad range in the level of impairment both high and low tech devices can be invaluable in making life easier to live.

In Britain, age related macular deterioration is currently one of the most common causes of visual impairment (Barrington, 2001). At the same time the average age of the UK population is increasing, and there is a desire among older people to remain in their own homes for as long as is practical. It is therefore likely that the number of people with some kind of visual impairment will increase over the next few decades, so it is important that the availability and appropriateness of assistive technology should be investigated. Only by giving individuals tools which allow them to continue living at home can they retain independence and control over their lives.

The aim of this project is to determine the needs of visually impaired people, compare those needs with currently available assistive technology and thus identify areas where there is scope for further devices to be developed.

The project was carried out in a number of distinct stages:

A survey of user needs.

A survey of existing assistive technology

A ‘gap analysis’, to determine the potential for new technology by comparing the results of the user needs and existing technology surveys.

A workshop at which the results of the above were discussed by a range of people from manufacturers to users.

The methodology and results for each of these stages is given in sections 3 to 6 below.



3 User needs survey

3.1 Methodology for user needs survey

The user needs survey aimed to address three issues:

1. What activities in daily life at home do visually impaired people have problems with?

2. What makes assistive technology in the home useful, useable and appealing?

3. How do visually impaired people find out about and obtain assistive technology? This information will suggest how to improve awareness of and accessibility to products.

We took two approaches to addressing the issue of user needs

Focus groups with visually impaired members of the public.

Interviews with representatives of organisations working in the field.

Participants in the focus groups were asked about the effects of their impairments on daily life at home and what technology they use, or would like, to overcome difficulties. Participants were selected to try to obtain as full as possible a range of views. They included a good balance of men and women, ranged in age from early 20’s to late 70’s and differed in extent, type and length of visual impairment.

To supplement the focus groups, representatives of organisations concerned with housing, care or assistive technology for visually impaired people, were consulted. In total 3 focus groups were held and 17 telephone interviews undertaken. Several of these interviewees were visually impaired themselves or had experience of visual impairment through family members. In addition they had experience of working with a large number and range of users and so were able to fill in some of the views we had missed in our focus groups. They also drew attention to the types of issues that they would consider when providing or advising about assistive technology.

3.2 Results of the user needs survey

During the course of the survey a number of issues emerged which should be borne in mind when interpreting the results. One recurring theme was that it is not possible to make generalisations about visually impaired people. Differences in the need for, or use of, assistive technology could be related to a number of factors including:

type and duration of visual impairment

whether living in a familiar home environment or a new one

the amount of social support.



Furthermore, a good proportion of visually impaired people has significant additional impairments. Although this project is considering visual impairment in isolation from other impairments it is important to be aware that it may be coupled with mobility, auditory or other impairments. A combination of disabilities will impact on what type of assistive technology is needed and what it should be like (e.g. for deaf blind people, a vibrating signal rather than an audible signal would be more useful).

Many people with visual impairments live in households or situations where they share common parts of buildings and facilities with others who may not be visually impaired. The needs of these other people should be taken into account when introducing assistive technology (e.g. how they would respond to colour schemes that are useful for VIPs because they make doors stand out from door frames?).

The other people in a visually impaired person's life will also impact on the need for assistive technology. If partners, spouses, children, neighbours, professional carers etc are available to help out, this will reduce the need for technology to deal with certain problems such as reading labels on packaging. However, additional people in the home can sometimes create a different set of problems, for example by inadvertently creating trip hazards by leaving things on the floor.

3.2.1 What should assistive technology be for? The main aim of the user needs survey was to produce a list of activities in home life that could be made possible, easier or safer with assistive technology. The problems in home life mentioned by participants in the user needs survey are listed in table 1 below. Some of these problems may already have solutions (see Section 5gap analysis), but they may not be widely known or used.

Table 1: Difficult and frustrating activities in daily life at home Packaging (food, medicines and cleaning materials) • Opening packaging (clear plastic collars around the tops of jars are difficult

to see and fiddly to remove; medicine/bleach bottle lids are tricky to open) • Knowing what packaging contains (writing on labels is difficult to read;

containers are similar to each other). Cooking • Accidents (cutting themselves with knives; knocking pans off cookers;

spilling when pouring hot liquids; touching hot cookers; leaving cookers on after finishing cooking)

• Cooking properly (e.g. knowing when meat is done) • Making a mess (overfilling containers; pots boiling over) Housework • Accidents (cannot see where or whether bleach has spilt) • Telling when housework is needed (cannot tell when fridge or freezer needs

defrosting) • Telling when housework is done properly (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning

shiny surfaces and toilets; may do repeatedly or excessively to make sure they are clean)

• Using equipment (it is difficult to tell when vacuum cleaner bags are full and



it is fiddly to change them) Healthcare • Monitoring one's own and others' health (thermometers are difficult to read) • Taking medicine (issues to do with packaging) Personal hygiene & appearance • Accidents in the bathroom (e.g. slipping because puddles of water difficult to

see) • Accidents in other contexts (e.g. burning themselves on the iron) • Looking after themselves and others properly (e.g. using the right setting on

the washing machine; using the right temperature on the iron; matching clothes, shoes and socks)

Communication (telephone and letter) • Reading letters and bills (it is often difficult to obtain correspondence in

suitable formats; scanners are useful but not portable enough to be used everywhere in the home)

• Using telephones (mobile telephones controls are often difficult to see and operate; telephones specifically designed for VIPs seem not to have complex functions e.g. memory)

Leisure • Using equipment (controls for TVs, CD players etc are often difficult to see

because of their size and colour; remote controls do not give suitable feedback so VIPs find it hard to tell what they are doing)

• Setting up and assembling equipment (instructions are often not accessible; assembling equipment e.g. gyms from flat packs may be hard for VIPs)

Moving around the home • Accidents with permanent features (bumping into doors and radiators;

walking into glass doors) • Accidents with moveable objects (tripping over furniture or children's toys) • Accidents with changes in levels and stairs (e.g. stair guards for babies are

difficult for VIPs to fit) • Finding things around the home (this is difficult if objects are not in their

usual place) Security • Letting people in (seeing who is there; reading ID cards) • Using door and window locks (good vision is needed to see locks

particularly for tiny keys; concern about leaving windows open and unlocked)

• Signs of occupancy (knowing when to close curtains and turn on lights) Environmental control • Lighting (particular types of lighting are needed for different impairments; it

is difficult to tell whether lights are on, particularly with two way and dimmer switches)

• Heating (setting timing controls and thermostats; fitting fire guards) • Electricity (concern about not seeing children putting their fingers into

sockets) The problems listed in table 1 cover most areas of life at home: dealing with packaging, cooking, housework, healthcare, personal hygiene and appearance, communication,



leisure, moving around the home, security, and environmental control. Between those interviewed there were vast differences in the level of difficulties reported and experienced. For example, at the beginning of one focus group, when answering the question what they found difficult at home, one participant said 'nothing' while another said 'everything'.

The user needs survey was not able to determine which of the problems listed above are most serious and which are experienced most often. Without this information it is not possible to predict how much demand there would be for assistive technology addressed at each problem. Previous research on older visually impaired people (Baker and Winyard 1998) found that 82% cannot read bills or letters, 62% cannot clean their own home, 49% cannot do their own cooking and 48% cannot wash their own clothes. The workshop breakout sessions addressed this issue to a certain extent, but further research along these lines taking in a broader age range would be useful.

Predicting the uptake and usefulness of assistive technology will be difficult because other ways of dealing with problems are often needed, as well as or instead of assistive technology. Advice is often vital in dealing with problems e.g. any amount of security measures at the front door will not stop intruders unless occupants stop trusting callers and use the measures provided. VIPs may sometimes prefer to have other people help them, rather than using assistive technology. Some may prefer to come up with their own 'home made' solutions. Some people may well choose to make do, rather than rather than rely on technology.

3.2.2 What should assistive technology be like? A secondary aim of the user needs survey was to come up with a general list of what makes housing related assistive technology 'good'. Participants in the surveys explained what they liked and disliked about existing assistive technology, what would encourage them, put them off, make it easy or difficult for them to use the technology. Inevitably the importance of any particular issue varied between different users. For example some participants, but not all, thought that specialist equipment was stigmatising. It was also clear that different issues are important for different types of appliance.

The attributes listed below raise issues but do not provide a comprehensive checklist for manufacturers. Several participants suggested it would be useful to develop a checklist and some guidelines exist already (Gill and Shipley 1999, Gill 2000). However, participants pointed out that a checklist would not be sufficient to ensure that suitable assistive technology is developed. Firstly, if manufacturers are really to take the recommendations on board then a British Standard, for instance, would provide more clout. Secondly, the process of development is important and it is not enough to follow a checklist. Products should be tested thoroughly at the design stage with real people in real situations. Several participants liked the idea of a testing panel made up of people with a variety of visual impairments and needs.



Cost Assistive technology should be available at a reasonable cost, both capital cost and running cost. While almost all those asked accepted that devices such as talking microwaves should cost more than ordinary microwaves, they felt that they should cost only slightly more. At present they believe that they cost more than they are worth. They are also out of reach of many who could use them because VIPs are more likely to be on low salaries or benefits than sighted people. The affordability of assistive technology is a key issue for visually impaired people and came up repeatedly in the RNIB report on the costs of blindness (Baker et al 2000).

High tech vs low tech Many problems reported by users have both high tech and low tech solutions. High tech solutions may be appropriate for a range of problems such as the technology used in SMART homes. Although some participants in the study were wary of high tech devices or thought that others would be (e.g. elderly VIPs or those who had not used IT before becoming visually impaired), others cited cases where this wariness has been overcome (Porteus and Brownsell 2000). Making the benefits clear, showing that technology works (e.g. through demonstrations by peers), adequate and suitable training, and trust (e.g. knowing that technology is being provided by an organisation which has proven reliable in the past) are seen as key issues in achieving this.

There are also many opportunities for low tech solutions to problems. A number were suggested by interviewees, some of which had been developed by resourceful VIPs themselves. In some cases low technology solutions may be more appropriate than high tech solutions (e.g. because of their relative cost). Interviewees pointed out that it is important not to neglect their development, and this is a point made frequently in the assistive technology literature (Gill 1998, Turner-Smith et al 1999). Examples of high tech and low tech solutions suggested by participants to a range of problems are shown in the table below.

Table 2 Problem Low tech solution High tech solution Packaging 1. Tactile symbols on

packaging 2. Taking care with size, font, colour & background of writing on labels 3. Making plastic collars on jars a more visible colour

Scanner for bar codes (but how would visually impaired people find the bar code?)

Cooking Bars around hobs Sensors with alerts to say when e.g. something is boiling over, oven left on longer than usual

Housework Use blocks of toilet cleaner rather than bleach

Self cleaning sink

Healthcare Monitoring people in SMART homes

Communication Bills clearly laid out etc (e.g. BT bill)

Mobile phones with large print and illumination (e.g. Vodafone)



Leisure Talking tape recorders and hi-fis Moving around the home

Colour strips on glazing and stairs

Automatic doors with movement sensors

Security • Intercoms • Alarm system to show

whether doors/windows left open

• Keyless locks e.g. recognising fingerprints Devices to recognise utility company swipe cards

• Central locking Environmental control

• Electric sockets covered (as telephone sockets are)

• Talking thermometer

• Movement sensors e.g. turning on lights when people enter room or when they get out of bed

• Automatic windows for temperature control

'Add on' It would be useful to be able to add accessible technology on to mainstream appliances and homes e.g. buying a mainstream microwave and adding on something to make it talk rather than buying a talking microwave. The benefits mentioned for making assistive technology available as an add on include:

lower cost because the appliance or home itself would be mainstream

opportunity to make the most of existing technology e.g. community alarm infrastructure could be used in many other ways

flexibility e.g. can be taken out for next tenant

However, for 'add ons' more compatibility between systems would be needed than exists at the moment.

Social acceptability Assistive technology should not feel stigmatising to users. Where it has the 'disabled look' or appears childlike and patronising this will put some users off. It should also be acceptable to other people sharing the home e.g. in sheltered housing fully sighted residents may object to colour schemes that might be suitable for visually impaired residents.

Choice VIPs should be able to choose among different designs of the same product so that individual likes and dislikes can be catered for. For instance, individuals mentioned disliking the voice of a talking clock, the shape of a talking calculator, or all gadgets that bleeped.

Ease of use Making technology simple to use for VIPs should not be achieved by removing complex functions available to other users. Participants objected to a large button telephone without memory functions.

Information about how to use assistive technology should be clear. Operating instructions should be accessible (e.g. audio tape, large print or Braille). Designs should



signal what they do (e.g. proper handles on doors, taps on sinks that look like taps) which is often not the case with sleek 'ultramodern' design. Training in using devices and technical support may be needed for some assistive technology.

The means of operation should not require accuracy (e.g. clicking on tiny icons on computer screens). Voice activation would be useful for many users, but not those with speech problems. Touch screens were mentioned only once in the interviews and focus groups and on this occasion not favourably.

Feedback is needed so that users know what state, or stage in a cycle, appliances and equipment are in. For example they would need to know whether they have set the washing machine correctly and where it is up to in its cycle at any time. Audio feedback is popular and there was a general feeling that talking appliances should be much more widespread. Where practical, controls that give feedback when used, e.g. clicks for on/off, should be incorporated into equipment. Digital controls, dimmer switches and two way light switches can cause problems because they do not provide this information.

Other practical and safety considerations A number of other considerations were mentioned which may be relevant to some sorts of assistive technology. Devices should be small so that they do not get in the way because clutter causes problems for visually impaired people. Where they are intended to be portable, they should be lightweight. Rubber feet are useful to stop things slipping. There are probably a number of other issues along these lines that should also be considered. For example the RNIB publication giving an overview of designing equipment (RNIB3) lists several more issues. For example, where batteries are used they should be easy to replace; where products are used for food or drink they should be easily cleaned; devices generally need to be tough to cope with being knocked and dropped.

3.2.3 How should assistive technology be made available? The final aim of the user needs survey was to understand how VIPs find out about and obtain assistive technology and how they feel this should happen. The need for more information and awareness came across clearly in this study. When VIPs came across informed people outside organisations specifically concerned with visual impairment, they considered them to be out of the ordinary.

The need for more information was matched by a desire for it. Many representatives of organisations we spoke to were keen to find out more about what is available. In the focus groups VIPs were interested to hear of ways that others had found of dealing with problems.

Information needs to be targeted at groups who are currently being overlooked. For instance, those who have other disabilities may be classified by their primary disability and overlooked when it comes to providing information relating to their visual impairment. It is important to be aware, and provide information for, of all those who live and work with VIPs (carers, dependant, professionals dealing with visually impaired people in health care as well as housing and social care).



Four main sources of information on assistive technology were identified and are briefly discussed below.

Visual impairment/disability organisations Many of those interviewed had found out about and obtained assistive technology through resource centres, demonstrations, catalogues or magazine provided by one or other visual impairment charities. They had found this route very helpful. However, others had avoided this route because they felt uncomfortable with it and found it stigmatising.

Word of mouth For those involved in a visually impaired community through their workplace, college or social group, word of mouth provided an important source of information. However, a large proportion of VIPs live outside these communities, so this will not be available to them.

Mainstream retailers/suppliers If mainstream retailers assumed an increased role in this area that would be universally welcomed by the participants who discussed this issue. Although some felt it would be unrealistic to expect this change, it was clear from examples given that a limited amount of useful technology is already available through mainstream suppliers.

The increasing number of elderly people in the UK provides a growing market for assistive technology related to visual impairment. Also technology to help VIPs could be a selling point for those without sight problems. Examples from other countries suggest how easily assistive technology could be integrated into mainstream retailers e.g. one interviewee described a whole floor of assistive technology in a mainstream department store in Japan.

Housing and care professionals Both professionals and users felt that housing and care professionals' knowledge about assistive technology for VIPs lags behind knowledge related to other types of impairments and should be improved.

Professionals in particular contexts could play a key role in informing people about assistive technology. In hospitals and eye clinics, there is a perfect opportunity to inform newly visually impaired people about what is available to help them. In day care centres etc. potential users could be shown assistive technology before their eyesight deteriorates so that they are prepared.



4 Survey of existing assistive technology

4.1 Methodology for survey of existing AT

The review of existing AT was undertaken as a two-stage process.

1. An internet search was undertaken, looking at both national and international sources of information.

2. Alongside this various main centres of information for VIPs have been contacted, as well as manufacturers, designers and researchers.

A list of sources of information is given in Annex 1.

The results of the review are split into 4 sections:

• AT widely commercially available at the moment

• AT that could be available soon

• AT that is in development or undergoing research

• Future possibilities.

Another section of AT that could be included in this report is mobility aids. These can be as simple as a long cane, or as complicated as devices installed in the external environment which will give information about what is in the environment, and directions to specific targets. There are also devices which use GPS to allow directions to be given even in places which do not have sources of information already installed. There are other devices which are a more sophisticated version of a long cane, and these electronic mobility aids try to provide a fuller description of the near environment than a cane can, using non-visual mechanisms. All these devices are mentioned in passing, as they could allow people to carry on living independently at home by giving them ready access to their local environment. However they are not generally used in the home, so they are not considered further.

4.2 Results of the review of existing technology

4.2.1 AT widely commercially available at the moment AT that is currently available could be categorised in a number of ways. For the purpose of this report, this has been limited to the following areas:

• Low vision related devices Magnifiers



Near vision telescopes Distance vision telescopes

• Daily living devices Thermometers and barometers Light probes and colour sensors Liquid level indicators Money handling devices

• Information and communication technology devices Mobile communications Screen magnification software Braille editing and translation software Web browsers for non-visual output

• Automatic doors and windows Of benefit to people with a wide range of disabilities

As well as physical objects acting as AT it is possible that services provided by third parties may help VIPs maintain an active and independent life. For example banks and building societies can provide things like cheque book templates, personal banking advice and statements in large print or Braille. Many banks now also have telephone banking facilities.

British Gas will Braille, stud or mark controls on domestic appliances. They can also supply free audio cassettes. Another example is Yorkshire Electricity, who will telephone to explain the content or to discuss a billing query, a payment option, efficient use of electricity or any of the other free services they offer. Northumbrian Water can provide a water bill in large type or Braille, or they can arrange for a member of staff to read your bill to you over the telephone.

4.2.1.1 Low vision related devices In this section, devices that are more commonly available commercially and involve the least technology will be discussed. Magnifiers These can be hand held devices that are available with or without illumination, depending on the visual impairment. It is a simple device but useful and convenient, depending on the needs of the individual. Typically this may involve a magnifier, usually circular, perhaps with a fluorescent tube around a central lens, mounted on a flexible arm. Thus allowing hands-free use (RNIB1, 2001). Prices vary from £25 up to £200.

There is also available computer software that will magnify areas around the cursor on a computer screen. The magnified area is known as the magnified window, zoom window, or viewport. Some screen magnification programmes now offer supportive speech output as well, to benefit those with more severe visual impairments. Word documents, menu's



and icons are spoken using the computers sound card or a special piece of hardware known as a speech synthesiser (RNIB1, 2001).

The obvious disadvantage is the compatibility, or lack of it, between PC's, software and peripheral hardware. For example the magnification system, the video or sound card, and the screen resolution (RNIB2, 2001). Therefore, it is paramount that the right system is selected and often a demonstration disc proves beneficial.

Telescopes

Telescopes are designed for use at either near distances or far away. Near distance telescopes are often used for manipulative tasks such as handwriting. In the lower powers they may be used in a binocular sense but in higher powers are nearly always monocular. Some are flexible in their use as the magnification can be modified by adding additional caps (Tiresias, 2001).

Distance telescopes may be monocular or binocular. They can be spectacle mounted only in lower powers and are often prescribed as hand held devices. When they are spectacle mounted they can be used in inactive activities where increased magnification is required. There is a widespread availability and large diversity in prices of hand held binoculars (Tiresias, 2001).

4.2.1.2 Daily living devices It is possible to sort some daily living aids to the part of the home where they are used, but others are more general. The survey of existing technology has produced a list of devices too numerous to discuss in detail. Some general devices are discussed below and Annex 2 contains a full list of all the devices encountered during the survey.

Writing aids

Many people with visual impairment require a simple device to help them write legibly. This frequently takes the form of a template that is placed on top of the paper. The template is often matt black to give good visual contrast against white paper. Writing devices available at modest cost include:

• Venetian frame

• Notepaper and envelope guide

• Raised line note paper

• Writing Frame

Many partially sighted people need to be close to the material they are reading. Reading stands greatly improve comfort by presenting the material at an appropriate height and angle.

Thermometers, light probes, and liquid level indicators

Thermometers are needed for measuring temperature of cooking, industrial processes (eg photographic processing), human body (clinical thermometers) and room or outdoor



ambient conditions. Special thermometers have displays in large numerals, tactual or audio output. However, tactual markings directly on a thermometer used to measure very cold or very hot temperatures can be difficult and uncomfortable to read.

Light probes indicate the presence of light by a change in audio or tactual output. The most common devices use a photocell that controls the frequency of an audio signal; the pitch of the output is dependent on the amount of light reaching the photocell. A passive light probe reacts to external light sources, but the active type includes a light source so it can measure the reflectivity of a surface. A passive probe is useful for a totally blind person in determining whether a bathroom light has been left on. It can also be useful for detecting indicator lights such as on a telephone. An active probe can be used to detect the position of the print on headed notepaper before inserting the sheet into a typewriter (Tiresias, 2001).

Liquid level indicators usually give an audible or vibratory indication of when a conducting fluid has reached a pre-set height. The most common application is for pouring cups of tea or coffee. If the prongs are not insulated, the device should not be used with a container which has a conducting rim (eg a gold-rimmed wine glass) (Tiresias, 2001).

Coins and denomination identifiers The problems of handling coins and paper currency vary from country to country. Unfortunately most paper notes are printed in pastel shades since they are harder to forge than primary colours. In many countries, the different denominations of notes are physically different in size; occasionally there are embossed markings but these tend to deteriorate if the note has been in circulation for some time. Coins are easier to differentiate if handled singly in a warm environment; however, a more typical situation is that the blind person has a handful of mixed coins, is outdoors and in very poor lighting conditions; simple coin identifiers can be of use in this situation (Gill, 1993).

4.2.1.3 Information and communication technology devices Access to information is an area where many VIPs need assistance. In some cases simple magnifiers, either hand held lenses (with or without an added light source), larger lenses that can be worn around the neck, or mounted on a stand can be useful. However, these devices have limitations, particularly when information on PCs needs to be used accessed by people with low or no vision. AT is available in the form of software that magnifies part of the screen so that text or images are much larger than usual, hardware devices that attach and allow text to be accessed in Braille format, or speech synthesisers. All categories are relatively stable, with no radically new products foreseen in the near future, merely updating current software.

Speech synthesisers A speech access system converts text from a computer into spoken words. The speech synthesiser is the hardware device that does the 'speaking' in a speech access system. There are also speech synthesisers that are entirely based on software. The screen



access program is the software that directs the synthesiser. These products give visually impaired people the opportunity of working with operating systems, text processors, databases etc. Some synthesisers and speech access programs are integrated and sold as a package. Before choosing a synthesiser it is worthwhile considering what is required by the user in terms of the screen access program. The speech synthesiser can be a portable external device that connects to the back of the computer and comes with speakers and a socket for headphones. An external synthesiser has the advantage that it can be moved around to different machines.

Internal synthesisers come as a chip or a circuit board that must be inserted inside the computer with sockets for speakers and headphones. Since the internal synthesiser works directly with the computer’s operating system it can work faster than an external device. Important features of synthesisers include voice quality, the speed at which text is converted to speech, memory requirements, and the compatibility of the synthesiser to the computer (Mac or PC) and the number of languages available (Tiresias 2001).

Closed circuit television (CCTV) If the information is not on a PC, but in written/printed form there are electronic devices that magnify using closed circuit television (CCTV) technology, either via a dedicated screen attached to them, or via a TV screen. CCTV can be useful for dealing with pictures, photographs or hand-written text as well as printed material that is less accessible to devices which use optical character recognition (OCR). Some CCTV systems can also adjust the image by changing the colours, or reversing the polarity (so it is white text on black rather than black on white, which can cause glare).

Handheld CCTV systems are available that magnify up to x15, and some versions can also be produced to be worn on the head supplying images directly to the eyes, allowing the user to zoom in on what they are interested in. There are some devices that can read printed text, allowing access to many forms of printed media, however these devices generally do not recognise hand written information.

Closed circuit television highlights certain benefits not available from conventional optical devices. These include:

• Greater magnification

• Ergonomic advantages of a normal reading position

• Variable magnification with zoom lenses

• Image reversal (the capability of switching from conventional black print on a white background to white on black which is preferred by most users), and

• An electronic window or underlining facility to assist in reading just one line of print.

The disadvantages are that CCTV systems are not readily portable compared with optical systems, and they are relatively expensive. Some CCTV systems can be connected to a PC, which gives the user a choice to view full screen CCTV, full screen PC or split screen. An internal or external card will be required for the PC-CCTV



interaction to take place and the PC may require screen magnification software (Tiresias, 2001).

Another text based system which can be hard for VIPs to access is teletext, however there are devices that turn the text into speech.

Mobile phones Belatedly manufacturers of mobile phones are incorporating facilities to assist blind and partially sighted users. These facilities may be available only for a specific manufacturer's range of handsets or on specific networks. Sometimes the facility is restricted to a specific model. The situation is confused since the special facilities may only be available in some countries. The shelf-life of these products tends to be measured in months rather than years, but they may be available in some countries while they have been superseded by a new version in other countries (Gill et al, 1996).

The major advantage of mobile phones, for the visually impaired, is that they can be worn and easily found, especially in an emergency situation (Roe, 1995).

The advances in mobile communication offers opportunity to not only transfer voice and text, but also picture and video communication. Visually impaired people have found unexpected support in the form of Wireless Application Protocol, WAP, which makes it possible to read web information using a mobile (Ekberg, 1995). In addition, they also have Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, UMTS, which makes downloading pictures and video quicker (Ekberg, 1995).

Designing a mobile phone for someone with visual impairment involves careful consideration (Gill, 1999). The following should be examined:

• Keys should be of sufficient size and spacing, with function keys of a different shape for orientation purposes

• A key which could give an audio communication of the function keys

• Tactile and acoustic feedback on the keys pressed

• Displays large enough characters with good contrast, and screens that reduce reflective glare

4.2.1.4 Automatic Doors and Windows Automatic doors and windows are used in both domestic and non-domestic buildings and they provide assistance for a number of disabled people.

Automatic Doors Automatic door controls have become used routinely in certain buildings to improve access provisions. In shops, public buildings and some offices the controls are part of an overall door system containing the machinery, control sensors and door frame and leaf. The controls can also be retrofitted onto existing doors. These controls are likely to



be fitted onto internal doors in main circulation routes around buildings. In these situations the doors normally have a high frequency of use and they can be subject to high degrees of abuse, as such they normally require frequent maintenance and repairs. The use of automatic doors has been promoted in non-domestic buildings as a means of improving access and facilities for disabled people or elderly people. The controls can help to meet the requirements of building regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act.

In recent years there has been an increase in the use of automatic door controls in domestic situations. The use of controls in these situations is generally intended to assist access and egress for disabled people or elderly people. BRE has been involved in research on the use of automatic door controls in domestic buildings, since 1995. The early part of this research concentrated on producing guidance related to the specification of automatic door controls, investigation of the installation requirements and the user needs. This work resulted in the publication of BRE Report BR334, which is a comprehensive guide to the specification of such controls. Since 1998 the research has concentrated on the performance and cost issues associated with automatic door controls.

Automatic controls are available in a variety of types, including the following:

• Electromechanical high energy door controls

• Electromechanical low energy door controls

• Pneumatic controls

• Hydraulic controls

In domestic situations it is likely that only low energy electromechanical and pneumatic types will be used. The main reason for this is that lower frequency of use is required than in non-domestic situations. Low energy electromechanical controls are intended for lower frequency use and are suitable for only limited non-domestic uses. Conversely the high energy controls are not generally suitable for domestic situations as they involve too high forces that are a danger to users unless sensors are incorporated to ensure accidents do not happen. A front door to a dwelling is only likely to be opened and closed between 5 and 20 times per day. The low energy and pneumatic operators are well suited to this frequency of use. The low energy operators allow use in both automatic and manual modes that can be valuable in domestic situations. These controls can be set to accommodate these different types of use.

Detailed description of door controls is given in BRE report BR344 (Garvin 1997), but they are likely to contain the following:

• Operator – the connection to the door leaf that opens and closes the door on receiving a signal. The operators used in domestic buildings normally ‘power open’ the door and then convert to a standard door closer mechanism for closing.



• Activator – the means of opening and closing which can be remote control or other device.

• Control box – this will be required where there is a need to interface the signal from the activator to the operator. It may be built into the operator device or be a separate device. The control is usually a microprocessor based device.

• Electric strike or lock – these are required to ensure that the door can be operated in fully automated mode from the locked position.

• Power source – mains power and/or battery power can be used to power the opening and closing of the door. A 240 V ac power point near to the door control is desirable.

• ON/OFF Switch – this is often sited on the operator itself, however, extensions are available to allow a key switch to be placed on the wall by a door.

• Safety devices – the means of preventing accidents when the door is in use, either beams and sensors or by balance modes set into the operator (see section below).

• Pneumatics – these are likely to contain a basic operator with a control box and compressor situated out of sight. The control unit can be sited up to 10 m in general from the door itself. The operator works with two air lines and a power line for the electric lock. Multi-door pneumatic systems exist where a number of door operators work from the same control unit.

The automatic controls described above are generally suitable for installation to existing hinged swing doors. They are suitable for one way swinging doors, although some types can accommodate dual swing. The controls can be installed onto most types of doors, i.e. timber, PVC-U and metal, however installers should consult the manufacturer and BRE GBG 49.

At present there are no set standard tests for the performance of automatic controls. The main exception being a standard for safety of “high energy” powered doors. However, these types of doors are not normally installed in domestic situations and the standard does not include durability testing.

For people with visual impairment the use of automatic doors in non-domestic buildings, such as shops, offices and banks has potential advantages. The most significant advantage is the reduction in collisions that are likely to result from their use. In addition, the user does not require to find door handles and physically push the door. In non-domestic situations where public access to buildings is allowed the door opening will be controlled by sensors and therefore the visually impaired user will only require to break a beam for the door to open. In some cases the noise of the door sliding open or swinging open will be of advantage in informing the user that the door has opened and it is safe to enter.



Large revolving doors are used in a number of locations, but these are not always usable by disabled people including those with visual impairment. It is necessary to provide an automatic swing door or sliding door adjacent to the revolving door for access by disabled people.

A number of automatic doors in non-domestic buildings require the user to key a code on a key pad, or push a plate to gain access. For visual impairment it is necessary that these activators have good colour contrast and possibly Braille indicators. On coded keypads the numbering system should be the same as a telephone pad, and the number 5 should have a dimple to allow the user to locate the pad.

BRE undertook testing of domestic door control systems in laboratory based tests in 1988. A number of groups tried out the controls including those with visual impairment. Three groups of people were relevant, as follows:

• Visually impaired people, but not otherwise disabled – these users tried out a number of devices to open the door including a hand held remote control, push plate and coded key pad. The degree of visual impairment varied amongst the users. However, the main issue was that good colour contrast was required in all devices. The coded keypad also had no tactile indicator (i.e. the raised part of the number 5), and this would have benefited the users. However, some users also made the comment that if the control was in their own home then they would not be concerned about the lack of an indicator as they would soon learn its height from the ground and the location of buttons. This group was generally quite young and in general they did not perceive of the need for automatic door controls in their own home as they had the strength to open and close the doors and manual dexterity was not a problem.

• Visually impaired and deaf – this group had considerable communication difficulties. In general they had a lot in common with the visually impaired users. Although the necessity for colour contrast depended on the degree of sight that the user had. Those who were totally blind had no need for colour contrast, whilst those with some sight required colour contrast. The main problem for these users was the inability to confirm that an operation, either opening or closing of the window, had actually occurred. Therefore, they would need to feel for the door handle to ensure that the door was opening or closing, in some cases this could be a safety risk.

• Older people with visual impairment – This group of users provided some of the most interesting results. In general, because losing their sight had been a gradual process they still tried to use what residual sight they had left as opposed to learning to use feel. This presented problems where colour contrast was poor on the activator and the lack of tactile indicators on the coded key pad also presented a particular difficulty. Unlike the visually impaired younger users they had lesser ability to adapt to the positioning and layout of the device.

These tests have helped to demonstrate that whichever assistive technology is used it is important to ensure that the needs of the user is met. BRE Good Building Guide 48 (Installing domestic automatic door controls) provides advice on meeting the user’s



needs. Although, this is specific to automatic door controls the general principles could apply to any assistive technology.

Automatic Windows Automatic windows are also described in BRE Report BR344 (Garvin 1997). The installation of such controls is described in BRE Good Building Guide 49. Although door and window controls share some things in common, they are sufficiently different in the types and functions to warrant separate consideration. Automatic windows are used where the windows are inaccessible in normal circumstances or where the users cannot use the window themselves.

Automatic windows in non-domestic and domestic buildings are much more similar than doors. The main difference is that in some non-domestic buildings a large number of windows will be instrumented in a system and will be controlled either on timers or via central control points. There may be some local control points around a building that can be used by building users separately from the central control. In this type of location or indeed in domestic situations it is possible that visually impaired users will need to use the control.

The types of activators are similar to automatic doors, but would normally be wall mounted switches or plates. These will often have one or more button or switch to control opening, closing and sometimes to stop the control in mid move. A remote control could also be used where more than one window in the house is fitted with an automatic control. In both these situations the activator should be no more complicated than required and good colour contrast is essential. The size of the buttons or switches on the control are also important and the larger the better, in general.

Trial tests were carried out on domestic automatic window openers in a similar manner to those for domestic automatic doors. The same users with visual impairment also tested the windows. The same types of findings for automatic window controls were found as for automatic door controls.

4.2.2 AT that could be widely available soon Faxes pose problems for VIPs. However an American system whereby a fax, or any other printed material, is electronically sent to a reader who phones the person with the details is technically feasible at the moment. It would allow rapid personal transmission of video and other graphic information from blind persons to sighted readers.

An automatic vacuum cleaner with sensors that allow it to clean accessible parts of the carpet should be available sometime late summer 2002.

Talking measuring jug is being investigated to see if it can be made more accessible to blind people.

Most electrical appliances can be made to talk using current voice synthesisers although cost is an issue. For example, washing machines could be made to confirm which wash



programme has been selected. The technology could also find broader application in, for example, gym equipment.

Voice recognition is used quite widely for certain products, but is expensive if a complete vocabulary is to be understood. However as computing power becomes cheaper it offers the possibility of more devices becoming voice activated, and understanding more commands. An example would be voice activated heating controls, to remove the need for adjusting small dials.

4.2.3 AT that is in development or undergoing research

4.2.3.1 Smart Homes Perhaps this is one of the most significant advances, not only in technology, but in the way communication is used between the devices involved. Smart Home technology uses the same basic devices that are used in AT to build an environment in which many features in the home are automated and enables devices to communicate with each other. The technology is implemented through a central data highway often using cabling, infra-red or radio links. A range of home systems and devices are integrated using a control unit, which can be interactive or running in a programme mode. The control unit can produce output to Braille devices, voice output, or merely audio feedback (beeps).

Smart technology can be a good solution for individuals with differing levels of disabilities because it can be tailored to provide varying degrees of automation, monitoring and feedback, either to the user or to remote carers and helpers. In particular, for VIPs it is possible that a Smart Home can make things safer, check for cookers being left on, check that baths do not overflow and be linked in to security systems.

The installation can be designed around improving the quality of life, reducing the need for long-term hospitalisation, as well as broadening the interest in 'smart' technologies. At the same time, providing empowerment, safety and support for the end user. These principles are espoused in Edinvar Housing Association’s demonstration project.

The Edinvar 'smart' home uses a 'Homebus' wiring system to connect all devices. All the devices in the list below are controlled through a 'central system'. This central distribution system contains relays, timers and circuitry that interacts with the devices to provide an additional level of intelligence. The greatest advantage is that the system is 'smart' enough to react to emergency situations by turning devices off, unlocking doors and providing lighting to facilitate escape (Edinvar Housing Association, 1997).

• Lighting controls Can be programmed to reflect the users' needs and will react to emergency situations e.g. fire.



• Keyless door locks Utilises a keyfob 'swipe' device. This can be programmed to prevent unauthorised access.

• Door opening mechanism Allows doors to be unlocked and opened from either the outside or from within by use of a remote control keypad. There is an option to have the door fully automatic or 'power assisted', depending on the disability and the individuals personal needs.

• Window motors Windows can be opened or closed by use of either infra-red remote control or by wall switches. There is also the potential to programme windows to close when either the heating comes on or the property is empty.

• Window sensors - have to be automatic windows These monitor the status of the window and advise the house to react accordingly.

• Curtain motors These can also be controlled using infra-red remote control or wall switches. Sensors can also be introduced to automatically close curtains at dusk.

• Bathroom controls These operate via an infra-red sensor, which times water flow to prevent potential flooding and thermostatically regulates water to reduce the risk of scalding.

As a further indication of what is possible the following brief outline of options available is taken from the CUSTODIAN Project (see http://www.smartthinking.ukideas.com/CUST%20Index.html).

Curtains • operated on time controller and light sensor and by voice • close automatically at dusk • occupant goes away for extended period curtains open and close automatically

on “normal” pattern

Lights • operated automatically by system and from wall mounted switch • Lights come on when occupant enters room if lights are required • light comes on automatically when it gets dark outside, and at predetermined

times • occupant goes away for extended period light comes on and off automatically on

“normal” pattern

Windows • operated by voice activation and automatically and wall mounted switch, to allow

ventilation when occupant not in room



• windows open for short periods during day if warm and dry outside and house is occupied (can be manually/ verbally overridden) • windows close if inside or outside temperature drops below specified

temperature

Heating • controlled by room thermostats to maintain optimum temperature in occupied

rooms with voice activation override • occupant leaves room for extended period temperature is setback to standby

temperature

TV • operated from adaptive IR hand held controller or voice activation • displays image of visitor at door on request as well as allows vocal identification

of visitors

Community Alarm • operated from any room in house from wall mounted buttons and pendant and

voice activated

Extract fan (over cooker) • automatic operation when cooker activated • comes on automatically at high humidity

Extract fan (Bathroom) • automatic operation on entry to bathroom, shut off two minutes after exit • comes on automatically at high humidity

Exterior door • operated manually & fob • voice warning on door opening and if door left open for too long

Entryphone (video) • operated from switch on unit to allow front door to open • Connection to external centre for monitoring • linked to TV

Outside Security lights • activated if visitor approaches house and it is dark

4.2.3.2 Other research projects More information on the projects listed below can be found on the Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST) website: http://www.fastuk.org/home.php3



PACKAGE. This project aims to improve consumer packaging so that not only will packaging be easier to open, but will extend the use of bar codes to include point of use as well as point of sale. The aim is to have a product that will open the packing, speak its contents and warn about unsuitable ingredients. Its aim is to have information from 4,000 items from the European database of manufacturer’s products and packaging. This claims that a prototype will be ready in early 2002. TALKING BAR CODES. This project aims to code a text document into a 2D bar code, and have a handheld device that will scan this and turn the information into speech. None of this technology is novel, so the product could be available soon, if there is a need. ICAN. This project aims to develop a portable device to allow easy control of various domestic subsystems, by such means as speech input. PRINT. The output of this project will be a quiet embossing device that can print out Braille, Moon and tactile lines and diagrams. VISTEL. This project developed guidelines for screen phone designers, and produced some prototypes to better allow VIPs to access screen based telephony services. HOME-AOM. This project mainly aims at helping people with motor disabilities, but with speech recognition and output it could be used for VIPs. The prototype product that will be produced will allow easy control of standard home appliances (TV, VCR, washing machine, oven, lamps, heating system, windows and doors). The main objective will be an intelligent multimodal and multimedia user interface. This will enable the vast majority of elderly and disabled to remotely control and even tele-operate (via mobile phone) all home appliances. IT ACCESS TO A READER. This will be a videolink reading service for isolated blind clients. Use of a webcam will enable video camera images to be read by a distant carer, linked by PC. The client will have access to talking software control. RAIL. This project aims to produce a service robot. The completed RAIL system will be a powerful tool aiding such tasks as eating, drinking, teeth cleaning, shaving, applying make-up, playing games and painting and drawing. Clearly this is aimed mainly at people with motor disabilities, but certain tasks may be useful for VIPs. SMART CARDS. These cards, about the size of a credit card, but containing an electronic chip, allow the near environment to recognise the needs or desires of the person carrying it, and adapt accordingly. For example a bank ATM could be triggered to give an audible signal so a blind person could locate it, and once there it could give voice messages instead of the usual text on a screen. This device is of more use in the external environment than at home, where the VIP has more control over the appliances and devices, so they could be permanently set up to suit them.

4.2.4 Future possibilities for AT

Bluetooth This involves radio frequency control and is good for home automation, but is still in its infancy. It is predicted to become the leader in 'smart' housing once the initial problems are solved (Smart Thinking, 2001). For example appliances conversing with each other,



or with a central computer, so a bar code scanner mounted on the food store could know what is being removed, and tell the microwave what the heating requirements are. It could also then send a replacement food order to an online supplier. Another application of Bluetooth might be to allow full speech recognition for everything in the home. For example a watch could act as the interface to receive voice commands, and send them to a central computer for interpretation. The message can them be relayed to whichever appliance was required, for example dialling a dictated number on a phone, setting the washing machine on a certain program, adjusting the central heating, or any of the other possible applications that may be thought commercially viable. One problem with Bluetooth at the moment is that the system will be replaced in a few years time by Bluetooth 2. This only gives a limited time for manufacturers to get a return on any products they produce with the first version, which makes large investments in new products less likely in the immediate future. The current price of making an appliance Bluetooth compatible is about £60, which means that it will not be applied to cheap products in the immediate future.

Vision Enhancement There are possibilities that vision enhancing systems could be developed, so there is some processing of the image gained from a camera before it is shown to the eye. The processing could depend on the nature of the eye condition, but could include colour or contrast enhancement.

Cortical Stimulation The possibility of connecting a video camera to the optic nerve, to remove any problems in the eyeball itself, is an attractive one for some people. The possibility of any system being widely available in the next 10 years is remote.

Vision Substitution Converting a video input into a non-visual form which the person is trained to interpret has wide interest, as well as many problems in reducing the complexity of the visual scene to something that can be easily understood by tactile (for example) input.

Orientation Systems The combination of satellite and mobile telephony with constant access to a database, as is promised over the next few years, opens avenues to better orientation systems. The last four headings above were taken from Gill 2001.



5 Gap analysis – comparison of user needs and existing technology

5.1 Methodology for the gap analysis

The gap analysis consisted of taking the results of the user needs survey and mapping the results of the survey of existing technology onto those needs. The aim was to identify issues or problems raised in the user needs survey that are not addressed by existing technology, with a view to getting the discussion groups in the workshop to develop outline specifications for new products. In order to allow focussed discussion in the workshop the results of the mapping exercise were grouped under the following six themes: • Reading / communication

• Security

• Using/setting up electronic equipment

• Personal care

• Accidents

• Housework – within and around the home environment

5.2 Results of the gap analysis

Annex 3 lists all the issues and problems raised during the user needs survey, grouped together under the six themes listed above. Alongside each separate issue or problem has been listed all the identified currently available technology which may be relevant. From the data two things are clear. Firstly, there appear to be some gaps in available technology. Examples include: • opening some types of packaging • knowing who is at the door • safety issues such as knowing what has been spilt and where • issues related to general housework such as how to tell whether or not the carpet is

clean All these were areas where users perceive a need for help, but none was identified in the survey of available technology. The second observation is that users feel that they have a need for assistive technology for situations where quite a lot of products are already available. There may well be sensible explanations for these observations. In some cases where a gap has been identified technology may not be practical or cost effective to produce, such as a device that indicated the cleanliness of a room. In other cases where



technology is apparently abundantly available it may be that the equipment is too specific to be of general use to a wide range of VIPs. Fear of technology may be another reason. For example, computers not always liked/used by all, e.g. elderly. There may be a role for training in these situations, but it is important that it should be the right sort of training i.e. over a longer term rather than just showing someone once. The breakout sessions for the workshop/seminar were designed to shed light on these issues.



6 Workshop/seminar

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the findings of the user needs and existing technology surveys and the gap analysis with a view to developing ideas for AT that manufacturers may wish to take on board. If possible performance specifications would be developed.

A broad range of people attended the workshop and included many people from organisations working with VIPs, as well as many with a visual impairment. The full list of delegates is given in Annex 4. Prior to the workshop delegates were sent a briefing paper which gave the background to the project and outlined the results of the two surveys and the gap analysis. The briefing paper and agenda for the workshop are reproduced as Annex 5.

The workshop started with an introduction from Tony Aston OBE, Chairman of the Pocklington Research Committee, followed by presentations from the project team on the two surveys and gap analysis. Delegates were then broken into six groups, each of which was given one of the six themes identified in the gap analysis for discussion, and each of which was led by a trained facilitator.

6.1 Methodology for conducting breakout sessions

All of the breakout sessions were conducted to the same pre-determined format. The facilitators were briefed in advance and given a series of guidelines and objectives for what needed to be achieved. A pro-forma feedback form was also developed to make the feedback session more structured. The first stage of each breakout session was for the facilitator to briefly explain the structure for the session and to summarise the findings of the user needs survey and determine whether or not the group felt there were issues missing.

The next stage was to determine which were the one or two most important issues, and to undertake an exercise to match those needs with existing technologies. During this part of the session the facilitator aimed to tease out how people deal with the issues now – do they use existing technology, if not why not, or have they developed their own solution. The group would then vote on the best or most likely solution.

Finally, the session would conclude with a discussion on what they would like by way of AT to make them better cope with the issue. They were encouraged to describe:

What the AT should be like How it would work Whether it was totally new or if it was possible to modify existing solutions Who should be doing what to get the new technology available



What were the best dissemination routes to raise awareness

Feedback material was prepared by each group to present to the rest of the delegates.

Copies of the agenda for the breakout sessions, guidance for the facilitators and the pro forma feedback form are given at Annex 6.

6.2 Results from workshop breakout sessions

The sections below present the outcome of each breakout session in turn. In each case an edited transcript of the flipchart sheets is presented followed by a summary of the ‘ideal solutions’ for the issue determined by the group to be the most important.

Finally, there is a summary of recommendations for future research, gleaned from all six of the breakout sessions.

6.2.1 Results of the Reading and Communication breakout group

Need/problem Knowing what packaging contains Writing on labels is difficult to read – sell by dates/cooking info. etc. Containers are similar to each other Reading letters/bills Reading utensils/devices Writing – general correspondence – either too high tech or too simple Entertainment – listings (available), narrative audio description (TV is v. imp.) –

socially and family life Instructions on medication Technology e.g. remotes for TV/video – small buttons instructions Navigation e.g. flats, communal homes (familiarity) Recipes – books etc. Social – cards, Bingo dominoes - RNIB

Solutions/ideal product

Need– Reading labels on packaging i.e. contents, instructions Identification vs. information Talking labels – not used much – cost, not available Tie on labels - - pictures/large print (often used)/colours Braille dymo gun or Metal Braille tags. (Used a lot but need to read Braille.

However, few people can read Braille compared with total visually impaired population)

Task lights – many people don’t realise how much good lighting can improve sight. Many different types are available both from the RNIB or mainstream shops. Lighting is very widely used, but it is not always the most suitable. It is usually assumed “more light the better”.

Bar code readers, memory devices. Not used much due to cost. Also laser type can be dangerous, but is better than small pen type.



Rubber bands and Bumps. Widely used – awareness sharing info. Supermarket printout at till with Braille labels/info. e.g. sell by dates etc. Customer’s

swipe card could hold information alerting the till operator that they need something for Visually Impaired person. This could be a new idea. Internet shopping also would allow this to be done as it could be tailored to the customer’s needs. However what would the print out be like. The group did not feel that this would really be useful or practical

Raised lettering e.g. used already for marketing. Embossed letters on bottles and on the bottom of many tins could be made bigger for VIP’s – large embossed letters e.g. Highland Spring are very helpful

Stick on “chips” and recording device for making ones own labels and then reading them back – not widely used/ as there is lack of awareness

Magnifiers – widely used. Is high tech less stigma for VIP’s? – modern etc good for everyone.

Chosen new solution is for something that can provide information actually on the packaging Features of new solution All info. needed should be included – e.g sell by date/ingredients Extension of existing technology High tech. Use bar codes Use mobile phone as bar code reader, and possibly to dictate text NB Mobile phones are not easy to use – getting smaller/size of screen and buttons Increasing use by VIP’s/older people of mobile phones so there is potential Portable Cost – phone is existing technology Could it be used by mainstream as well – reduce costs/dovetail with food labelling

legislation Who will be involved Mobile phone companies Supermarkets Researchers Users



Reading and Communication summary General Topic Area Reading and communication

Main problems/issues Reading labelling on food

Existing available solutions:

• Talking labels • Braille • Bar code readers • Rubber bands • Stick on “chips” • Magnifiers • Raised lettering

Solutions being used:

• Magnifiers • Tie on label • Braille • Other people

Ideal solution(s) Chosen new solution is for something that can provide information actually on the packaging, such as a bar code.

What would it be like Mobile phones could be modified to enable them to read the contents of the package and tell the person relevant information such as sell by date, contents and cooking instructions. Software could be written to generate speech from the data read from the label. The idea should be workable given that mobile phones are already in widespread use, and by an increasing number of elderly and visually impaired people. The technology could be used for sighted people as well, which would mean that costs would be minimised, and it could also dovetail with food labelling legislation.

How would it work The mobile phone would be converted to a bar code

reader. Packaging would have on it bar codes that would be associated with messages which would play when scanned. The message could include a list of contents, cooking instructions and warning about the contents, for example hazardous substances or whether food contains nut products.

One potential problem identified with the idea was the fact that mobile phones are getting much smaller, and some VIPs would have problems with small screens and buttons.



Actions Co-work with researcher, mobile phone companies, users and supermarkets to develop the technology. Also, training would be needed.

6.2.2 Results from the Security breakout group Points raised: It is important to ensure that any technology is fail-safe, for example in the event of a power failure. If a battery back-up system kicks in, they need to know that this has happened, for example via some audible signal to alert occupants to the fact that they are running on back-up system. There was concern over the reliability of alarm systems and the probability that they would not be responded to when they went off in a real situation.

Dealing with intruders was a concern, in particular how help could be summoned. Technology could be either a sensor operated or user operated. The usefulness of mobile phones in such circumstances was questioned because of the time taken to “warm up”.

A general comment was that there needs to be feedback for all systems which informs the user that burglar alarms are correctly set and allows them to check its status at any time.

One technology that is available that was not on our list was “Lifestyle Technology”. Based on a burglar alarm system, this telematic technology can be used to detect intruders; detect a crisis eg freezer breaking down; trigger an alarm system and has an over-ride if the user changes their behaviour. Essentially this kit, which uses digital technology, works on the basis of you inputting a profile of the user’s routine behaviour. If that routine is broken the system will detect this and raise an alarm. Whilst the technology is cheap the “profiling” is not. Where it has been implemented the cost for 60 people was £300k. This system also has a telemedicine functionality, which detects if a person’s health changes.

More simple solutions were discussed, such as the use of external lighting on porches and around the home, which may deter potential burglars but could also provide a signal to neighbours if there is a problem (providing they are aware). It was felt that older people should be made more aware of how cheap electricity is – there was some concern that older people would not use light for fear of running up huge electricity bills.

There was concern about how call centres would deal with a call from someone who had an intruder. Training of call centre staff may be a solution, but there were some in the workshop who felt that it would be better to have a routing system: emergency calls could go directly to the police and, in the event of injury, directly to someone who could help. The call routing idea raises issues about how the routing system would work and whether or not the police would accept the calls in such a way.

There was a feeling that more “social solutions” could be used to solve the social problems – neighbourhood relations; Police presence; social support networks; crime



prevention and assistance in assessing a property’s level of security. Better use of street lighting would be helpful.

The security problem was considered to be wider than inside the home and included the external environment around the property, the shell of the property as well as inside the structure. There is an issue with providing secure windows that can be easily opened, electronic window controllers do not fit all windows.

Solutions proposed were: Improve the lighting around the external property

Make more use of dimmer switches for lighting inside the property allowing the level of light to be increased if required (the cost of doing this is minimal, but the benefits would be high, particularly security when moving around the house). It was felt that dimmer switches should be mandatory.

Affordability is the major issue for people.

Information – dissemination: Accessibility to VIPs is an issue

VIP organisations need to be more coordinated and disciplined and stop the overlap. In some ways there is too much information little of which is helpful.

Issues over keeping people up to date with technological changes and new equipment. Web based is not always that helpful for VIPs.

VIP organisations should input to the Housing Bill in respect of vulnerability and security of housing.

Possibility of a dedicated TV channel or Radio channel with advertising of products helpful for VIPs.

Provision of guidelines on security by local authorities.

There is a real problem in really knowing what the client/customer wants – are we catering for visual impairment in isolation (probably not), therefore there are other disabilities that may need to be considered particularly with older people.

Manufacturers need to provide information in the right format for VIPs and they need to be more proactive in finding out what users needs are.

Researchers need to find out what is available, where can you get it from and how much it costs. Design students at University should be taught about designing for VIPs in an inclusive way.

VIP organisations need to do more in the dissemination of “good” information.

Policy makers – BSI could put more pressure on manufacturers. Patent Office could be more proactive in awarding “disability friendly” patents.



Government could provide financial incentives to industry, eg lower VAT payable on goods that are VIP friendly, therefore assisting in reducing the cost of products.

Consumer council to monitor the effectiveness of technologies for VIPs

There was a concern with technological solutions in respect of maintenance and replacement. Who replaces the window motor when it fails and what costs?

Possible useful contact: www.reading.ac.uk/ie - REKI Project



Security summary General Topic Area Security Main problems/issues Letting people in (seeing who is there; reading ID cards)

Using door and window locks (good vision is needed to see locks particularly for tiny keys; concern about leaving windows open and unlocked)

Existing available solutions: Door opening mechanisms – fully automated or

power assisted

Motorised windows

Programmable lighting controls

Curtain motors

Solutions being used: The available solutions above are in use for a range of disabilities, including Visual Impairment.

Ideal solution(s) No specific suggestions for an ideal solution were

offered by the break-out group, but implicit in the Main problems/issues would be larger locks and keys for doors and windows and some form of indicator to alert users to the fact that windows are unlocked.

What would it be like Need to cope with the fact that individuals, and their

requirements, may change over time How would it work

Actions

Manufacturers need to provide information in the right format for VIPs and they need to be more proactive in finding out what users needs are. (This would apply to areas other than just security)

Researchers need to find out what is available, where can you get it from and how much it costs. Design students at University should be taught about designing for VIPs in an inclusive way.

VIP organisations need to do more in the dissemination of information which is relevant, up to date and practical.

Policy makers – BSI could put more pressure on manufacturers. Patent Office could be more proactive in awarding “disability friendly” patents.



Government could provide financial incentives to industry, eg lower VAT payable on goods that are VIP friendly, therefore assisting in reducing the cost of products.

Consumer council to monitor the effectiveness of technologies for VIPs

6.2.3 Results from the Electronic Equipment breakout group

Need / priority Controls too small More use of symbols Universal use of symbols Standardisation of keypad layouts and simplify Heating controls Braille controls more expensive Not covered on maintenance Washing machine Braille controls-Too many symbols Manufacturers offer too many functions - usually only four buttons are needed but

manufacturers reluctant to take forward because of a concern that items won’t sell Programmable buttons Development of a single controller for cooker/washing machine etc Storage problem on answering machines More usability! Device feedback Training needs One central contact point for availability Mismatch of combination of features users need Unable to read the text on soft keys/different function at different times Different types of notifications for network/phone messages e.g. battery low. Voice recognition Lack of standardisation for radio controls Clearer instruction booklet and available Braille

Solutions available/solutions that should be available Standardisation of keypad layouts/simply Voice recognition Matter of policy-Law/guidelines Just key in facilities you need



Programmable sim card Layering of options Colour coding for keys Variation of shapes for keys Indirect controls difficult to use Speech/varying tones Voice confirmation Lots of voice synthesis available currently Voice input Help with setting up Intelligent help Standard socket interface

What should the kit/product be like? Controls with colour coding and varying shapes Raised/recessed significantly New product Separate keypad A single universal controller Voice confirmation of what has been done/set Beep to locate Robust Aesthetically pleasing (range of colour) Lightweight Secure-Unique 4 digit code-Finger print Low cost Mainstream/SMART technology Caveat-cost of domestic equipment may increase

Who should be doing what and by when to make the kit available?

Who should be taking the action? Policy maker Manufacturers Researchers



What should they be doing? Standardisation of signals Standardise the equipment Test on both VIP and non-VIP

When should action be taken? Standards would need to be developed first



Electronic equipment summary General Topic Area Using / setting up electronic equipment

Main problems/issues Lack of standardisation of keypad layouts

Voice recognition and confirmation of what has been set as it is being set

Existing available solutions: ‘Four in one’ controller (i.e. a single controller for

four appliances)


Ideal solution(s) Single universal domestic controller for cooker, washing

machine etc.

What would it be like

Easy to use – keys would be designed to make use of colour, shape and feel (buttons that are significantly raised or recessed)

Portable and lightweight

Robust

Secure

Mainstream / SMART technology

Aesthetically pleasing

Clear instruction booklets, available in Braille

How would it work The controller would have a programmable SIM card

that allowed only the facilities required by the user to be keyed in. The unit should allow voice input, and provide intelligent help on setting up as well as audible feedback during the setting up process

Actions Policy makers need to standardise signals

Manufacturers need to standardise equipment, and the process of standardisation needs to start now.

Research would be needed to test the equipment on VIPs and sighted people.



6.2.4 Results from Personal Care breakout group

Need/priority

Self-medication e.g. putting in eye drops – who will help people to practise/give training?

Looking at yourself (e.g. when applying makeup) Knowing when clothes are dirty Food passing sell by date Visiting the toilet Assessing and monitoring others Combing hair Way to pick up and identify spills and stains on clothing

Solutions

Magnifying mirrors with illumination (not only make up size – larger ones too) Facility to buy clothing in a package (e.g. colour coordinated) Electronic tagging of clothes to keep together Appropriate bar coding label or tags to allow mix and match of wardrobe. i.e.

personal assistant Dial in ‘Smart / Casual’, ‘Dirty’ Catalogue shopping Face recognition – computer assisted technology

Ideal product

Bar coding – how will it work?

Already partly exists but not with versatility and at the right price Link to hand held computer Voice activated Portable Cheap to buy Could utilise a standard bar code (Multi-use) Reader could also be multi-use (e.g. Checking Food in Fridge) Why has everyone not got one? Video-link to somebody who can comment on personal appearance

Some issues

COST needs to be aimed at VIPs who live alone Technology could be presented nicely and put in gift section Be able to write bar code on floppy disk One off payment (£30/40) means less carer time needed. This in turn means lower

cost and so should be more affordable. (CRITICAL ISSUE)



Action plan

Manufacturers need to get common set of bar codes Make reader more versatile Need to be able to programme own reader/scanner. For example need to enter

things like “THIS IS MY BLUE SUIT” 2nd issue

Face recognition technology* (Takes difference and articulates this)

Must put your face in the right place for system to work High tech. Could build into security system Voice recognition Simple control buttons plus possible link to NHS/telecare system Voice output / multimedia capability

Action plan bar codes* and face Face recognition

Find out if this is what people need. Technology push, building on existing technology (more research by manufacturers)

Unbiased research partner User involvement / advocacy group – link up with manufacturers and users Focus groups for users – need to ensure proper representation of users Is it viable? Funding needed now Install in smart home as a trial



Personal care summary

General Topic Area Personal care

Main problems/issues Electronic tagging of clothes Existing available solutions:

Talking colour identifier

Bar code reader


Ideal solution(s) Bar coding for clothes, e.g. for style, cleaning

regime etc.

What would it be like

Mass appeal – the ultimate gift!

Multi use (e.g. reading bar codes on food containers)

Portable

How would it work

The device/system would allow user defined bar codes (or other electronically readable tags) to be generated on a PC and attached to clothes. Information on the tag would include a description of style (formal/casual; summer/winter etc.); colour so that it could be matched with other items in the wardrobe; and cleaning instructions (e.g. dry clean only).

The system could possibly be linked to a hand-held computer and be voice operated. If the system were to be based on bar codes, then the reader could be put to other uses, such as reading bar codes on food containers.

Actions The group felt that the technology is needed now. Manufacturers, researchers and users need to work together to establish a clear need and establish whether or not it is viable. This research would need to involve potential users in focus groups.

There was a feeling that a pilot could be undertaken in a ‘smart’ home, but that assumes that somebody is willing and able to build the prototype.

6.2.5 Results from accidents breakout group There are too many gadgets on the market (specific to generic). Much technology exists but it is not well co-ordinated.



VIPs develop skills to avoid accidents, but minimise cooking risks by only cooking once a day. We need figures on this.

Falls

Research suggests that many elderly people have serious falls frequently and that visual impairment is a significant factor. The kitchen is of great concern with falls and transferring hot liquids is also particularly risky.

Voice warning systems were discussed but technology is not the answer to all problems e.g. spiral staircases are nasty to walk into, and a low-level detector may not detect in time to warn.

Toys, pets and child gates are another common hazard for VIPs.

Strangers’ houses are a problem. Also other people moving objects in your own home can be difficult. A system of room mapping furniture and fittings to alert to any changes would be welcomed. This could be based upon face recognition technology related to an image map. A scanner would survey the room and software would translate the survey to the master map to detect differences. Discussion even covered robots to restore furniture to original positions.

Any change to the indoor or outdoor environment can be dangerous. Any portable scanner would need to be small, light and have good resolution, as small objects can be the most dangerous ones.

Stairs and the EHCS

It was suggested that the Health & Safety system applied to English House Condition Surveys (EHCS) could be used or developed to rate properties for VIPs. There is a section on rating stair designs and the likely damage or survival rating should a fall occur. Colour or tonal contrasts on steps and stair treads would help greatly.

Technology

Technology can help with SOSs such as hypothermia, fall alerts and changes to daily routine activities e.g. curtains not opened at the usual time. The EIB Instabus (an international standard for connecting AT devices) combines 160 technology companies that share the same protocols, helping to make the technology future-proof.

Issues

Research question-Correlation between VIP/and accidents disability VIP (Older people)have more falls (research suggests) Stairs overhead i.e. spiral staircases/any Other overhead projections Strangers houses (rating system EHCS?) Changes indoor/outdoor environment (i.e. moved furniture)toys in way Fuses (knowing whether they are working, what amperage)



Falling (Stairs)

Scoring mechanism for safety Size of treads Steepness of a flight of stairs Type of stair covering Stair gates Stair climber to assist climbing stairs Audible stair lifts Lighting stairs properly

Falling (General)

Existing solutions

Audible signalling Sonic torch

Ideal solutions

Orientation assistance (pre-programmed) Portable navigator

(independent living) In-situ/interactive trigger Sensor / navigator trigger

Face recognition technology NOMAD (existing technology) Mapping Fixed? Portable/unobtrusive?



Solution to falling due to visual impairment (not due to other medical conditions)

Mapping environment technology

(Fixed objects and moved objects)

Scanner to translate images - FIXED

(Digital camera) to survey (in every room)

Software to translate survey into manipulative data

Produce a map/3D model/electronic signal/audio descriptive

Recognise normal layout (original) Recognise altered layout On demand/automatic/responsive Programmable (return to normal?) customise Interactive/user friendly Centralised control system

Orientation Recognition Future integration with other applications Or vice-versa! (other accidents) Future proof. Throughout Europe INSTABUS EIB



Accidents summary General Topic Area Accidents

Main problems/issues Tripping or falling over obstacles

Existing available solutions: None specifically for this problem within the home Solutions being used: Audible signalling; sensors; sonic torch

Ideal solution(s) An ‘orientation recognition’ system, i.e. a device that could inform people of both fixed obstacles, and those that may have been moved from their normal position.

What would it be like The device would be: Programmable

User friendly

Interactive

Capable of being integrated into other systems

How would it work The device would consist of digital cameras (in every room) to survey and generate an electronic image or map (possibly in 3 dimensions) of the room. It would be able to recognise the ‘normal’ layout of the room, and be aware when that normal layout is altered. Warnings could be given either on request by the user, or automatically.

The system could be linked (or an integral part of) a security system.

Actions Undertake research into falling

Talk to manufacturers

6.2.6 Results from Housework breakout group

Need/priority

Heating Dealing with water leaks Washing clothes Matching clothes - need changes to labels e.g. tactile woven symbols Seeing whether guide dog eaten food/health Water splashed by guide dogs Clearing up after meal preparation Closing curtains after dark Sweeping up broken things Clearing up after dog defecates



Changing light bulbs/Knowing when blown Washing up Sorting refuse for recycling Putting the bins out Storing things safely – e.g. differentiating between bleach and washing up liquid Triangle symbol? Which is which, Braille isn’t good for all Recognising different cans e.g. dog food Reading post Cutting grass Watering plants, How much needed? Tidying up; knowing when things are in their place, or putting them there Identifying trip hazards Movement of furniture for cleaning Children safe –

Doors open Fire guards Hands on cooker

Saucepan turned around

Priority issue: Washing clothes

Existing Solutions

Talking washing machines Tactile tags to identify different colour clothes Blocks of washing up liquid

Ideal product/Solution

Washing machine you can talk to Washing machine that recognises colour tags Keep things simple, manufacturers need to be made aware that complex things

scare people Expand market - Help general public What clothes require what cycle? Have to remember - What do symbols on clothes

mean? Tagging for clothes, cheap, easy to introduce- Tactile woven symbols Universal solutions e.g. – Universal barcode reading device, like video – possible

problems in the way barcodes allocated. New legislation for bar codes?

Washing machines

Action plan



What machines can have sticky dots-not many? Need knobs that click – Few available How can manufacturers be enticed to take note – Can they be forced to? Need colour contrast A combination of different technologies is needed. For example, talking devices are

not so good for hard of hearing. A combination of technologies with the ability to turn off facilities not needed.

Need robust solution which can be sold to more people Solutions need to be low cost, tactile, clicky knobs, talking and can turn, big and

contrast, Knobs can hold, placing of knobs at front, top loading, few cycles, smart, appealing to all, knobs embossed not engraved

Ergonomic designs The location is often overlooked and needs consideration – for example there may

be benefit in having the machine in places other than a kitchen or utility room to avoid the need to carry clothes around the house



Housework summary

General Topic Area Housework

Main problems/issues Washing clothes Existing available solutions:

Talking washing machines

Tactile tags to identify different colour clothes

Blocks of washing up liquid


Ideal solution(s) Smart or ergonomic washing machine What would it be like The machine could:

Understand spoken instructions Be simple to use with a minimum number of

programmes Be designed for all users (not just VIPs) to keep

costs down Be ergonomically designed with large, tactile, clicky

knobs which are easily gripped and embossed rather than engraved

Talking (but can turn off) Top load Large and contrasting components Knobs at front

How would it work Recognise data tags/bar codes and chose an

appropriate wash cycle Actions

Manufacturers need to be made aware that complex things can deter people from buying them

Universal labelling solutions need to be developed, such as a universal barcode reading device, like video.

Possible problems in the way barcodes are allocated may require new legislation for bar codes.

Research needed into what is possible from designer/manufacturer’s point of view.



Lighting-Why don’t people have the right sort at home?

Note: Although the following issues were produced during a discussion regarding lighting they are of a much more general nature. Issues more relevant to lighting have been extracted in a summary below.

Action plan

Issues for policy makers:

Not enough specialist workers – need a professional body for specialist workers - there used to be one but it was abolished

Local authorities need to rethink priorities. Central pots of money for cross Borough working- small nos. in each Borough

More sensory impairment teams Need for ongoing contact Thinking through getting around money barriers Need advocacy Much clearer communication of Government research initiatives Put into Building regulations - (Part M) More trained workers to contact people who don’t Identify themselves as blind

Issues for visual impairment organisations

VIPs used to advertise services and products Advocate into media More frequent contact needed, stronger links with local societies Incentives are needed along lines of free energy saving light bulbs Information through GPs

Other issues

Training Particular focus on people with benefits Robert Gordon Univ. research - Breaking down barriers between pots of money At the design stage- Don’t leave everything to installers - Cheapest layout Research needed on room layout One-to-one needed because must address individual needs More use of predictive lighting

Summary

Lighting action plan

Policy makers - most actions for them

Cross Borough working



More initiatives e.g. lights available cheaply through electricity boards Lighting should be covered in building regulations (Part M)

VI organisations

Raising profile of VIPs in media Encouraging more info channelled through GPs

Manufacturers + Suppliers

Encourage to advertise through GPs

Designers/Architects

Encouraging designers to specify lighting layouts

Researchers

Research with architects into how room layout affects lighting use

6.2.7 Suggestions for new areas of research emerging from workshop

Scoping study to look into potential application of electronics in the home.

To include: Investigations into bar-code technology, i.e. what is available now, what are its

limitations and what is the potential for a universal labelling system based on bar code technology

Feasibility of all equipment being controlled by a single remote controller. This would need to look into typical numbers of devices with remote control in use by people, how many different features they used on each device, and what, if anything, needs to be done by manufacturers to make it happen. It may be easier to develop a programmable controller which gives limited functionality for a large number of devices, rather than full functionality.

High-tech vs low-tech solutions for secure door entry systems

The potential for providing spatial maps for the prevention of accidents by adapting existing video surveillance technology.

It would be useful to survey users’ attitudes to SMART homes. Do they find them disconcerting? Would they find it strange to have houses talk to them and would they prefer to interact in some other way etc?

Research on whether there really is a link between accidents in the home and visual impairment Some fairly high-tech solutions for the avoidance of accidents were suggested at the seminar. Feedback from one delegate suggests that there is no proven link (it was reported that insurance companies cannot charge the blind higher premiums because



they were not able to prove a link). A rigorous study of both VIPs and fully-sighted people, being careful to match other factors such as age, number of people in dwelling, age of children etc., would indicate whether or not there was a problem specific to VIPs that needed to be addressed.

Develop and disseminate a leaflet for manufacturers "5 Easy steps to help VIPs" Manufacturers will be more likely to take on board changes for VIPs that will not be expensive particularly if the changes would help others besides VIPs

The aim would be to make the advice generic in nature i.e. applicable to a wide range of manufacturers and markets

Example - 5 small changes to controls that would help VIPs might be: make them click (so people know how far they have turned them), make them a different colour from the background, where writing is used make it large & contrasting colour & easy to read font, have symbols that stick out etc

- This advice would be useful for manufacturers of domestic appliances (e.g. washing machines, cookers) heating controls (e.g. thermostatic radiator valves), lighting controls (e.g. dimmer switches), bath/shower taps/controls. In order to ensure that manufacturers are aware of the guidance relevant trade organisations (e.g. TACMA – The Association of Controls MAnufacturers) could be invited to be involved in its development.

What are the priorities for developing assistive technology? It would be useful to know where effort should be focused to make most impact on VIPs' lives. We did not address this issue fully in the seminar. The user needs survey came up with a list of AT that might be useful but no idea of priorities. The seminar gave some idea of priorities but because of the small number of people we shouldn't give too much weight to this. It is important to talk to users about this. It was also interesting to see that users had different priorities from housing & care providers - the latter seemed to focus on basic needs (e.g. keeping safe) while the former focussed on being able to do everything that others can (e.g. recycling their rubbish). It also seems likely that different groups of VIPs will have different priorities. This would be useful information for manufacturers - they will know who the likely market for their products are. To get at these kind of issues a short survey (possibly by telephone?) of a large number of VIPs could be conducted.

How do VIPs use rooms and how does this impact on lighting advice? One of the reasons why VIPs might not take on board lighting advice is if it conflicts with their normal use of space. E.g. they won't move their armchair to next to the window because it is draughty there, or they won't sit in the armchair next to the lamp because this is the armchair someone in the household normally uses. A member of the brainstorming group that discussed lighting said they thought that the relationship between lighting and normal use of space had been studied in public spaces but not in the home.



Research into self-developed Assistive Technology Many VIPs have come up with their own solutions (often low tech) to specific problems. These could be surveyed and written up as a guide to self help for the visually impaired. The solutions may also be of interest to manufacturers.



7 Conclusions and discussion

There is a wide range of AT devices available, which reflects the wide range of tasks required for independent living. Many of the Assistive Technology products that are in wide use at the moment are very low tech but are, nonetheless, fit for their task. Examples include magnifiers, canes, money handling devices and an intelligent use of contrasting colours. Many more products are currently being worked on and are required to make life easier for all.

There are many areas where information technology can be put to good use. This would range from scanners to assist with reading and other forms of communication through to ‘smart’ technology for keyless door entry. Although the technology is there, the retrofit costs of implementing such changes has led to limited application. On the computer screen simple visual benefits such as font size, font weight type, spacing and line length, and contrast can more readily be implemented. The main problem being the larger the font size the fewer characters can appear on screen.

'Smart' housing is one of the best examples of implementing technology. It is not suggested that the entire home needs to be automated, but instead that the users’ needs are clearly assessed and critical areas become automated.

The user needs and available technology surveys have shown that products available at present have the potential to simplify many of the current difficulties faced. There are, though, many VIPs who are not using that technology. The reasons are varied, and include lack of awareness, cost and other issues such as social stigma. However, feedback from the workshops also suggested that, while in many cases the technology appears to address a general problem, the specific circumstances surrounding a particular individual mean that the technology is not really suited to them.

The results of the breakout sessions during the workshop have also illustrated that VIPs find some every day tasks very difficult which normal sighted people take for granted. The examples of matching clothes in the wardrobe and knowing whether the tin in the cupboard contains your dinner or the cat’s dinner bring these problems into sharp focus. Coincidentally, although these two issues were discussed by different breakout groups the solutions they proposed were the same – namely the development of a universal labelling system based on bar codes. This solution sounds as though it should be within reach based on current technology, provided the bar code is capable of storing sufficient variables.

Designing washing machines to be more ergonomic should present no real problems, but getting the machine to choose the best wash cycle for the clothes being put into it may not be so straightforward. Likewise the development of a universal controller sounds simple, but would probably be difficult to achieve, if only because of the need to get all manufacturers to standardise their products. The problem of a system to help



VIPs avoid collisions in the home is also likely to prove complex. It may be feasible to get sufficient information from a single camera to determine the spatial layout of a room, but it is more likely that two cameras will be required to get good resolution. Programming the software to generate the virtual image, and linking that to a feedback system that the user can understand is not likely to be simple.

In addition to the six specific technological solutions emerging from the six breakout groups, the transcripts of the flipcharts (see section 6.2) reflecting the discussions leading up to the selection of the specific issues contain a useful insight into a range of issues that VIPs need to manage on a daily basis. The information contained in those transcripts should enable manufacturers, researchers and housing providers to each make the lives of VIPs a little more comfortable. There are also a number of areas for future research, some of which could be pursued relatively quickly.



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RNIB1, "Low Technology No Technology - aids and equipment", Royal Nation Institute for the Blind Fact Sheet, April 2001, www.rnib.org.uk

RNIB2, "Low Vision", Royal Nation Institute for the Blind Fact Sheet, April 2001, www.rnib.org.uk



RNIB3 “Overview of designing equipment”. Factsheet RNIB: London. http://www.rnib.org.uk/wesupply/fctsheet/devices.htm#Furtherinformation

Smart Thinking, "Smart Homes Don't Build Themselves", 2001, Intelligent Buildings, www.smartthinking.ukideas.com

Tiresias, "Information Resouce for People Working in the Field of Visual Disabilities", 2001, Internation Information on Visual Disabilities, www.tiresias.org

Turner-Smith A, Cole M and Askham J “Developments in assistive technology and visually impaired people” (Report to the Thomas Pocklington Trust 1999)

Annex 1


Annex 1


Annex 1:

Sources of information for review of existing assistive technology

Annex 1


Web based resources used in the review of existing technology access2go http://www.access2go.co.uk/mainmenu.html Adaptive technology resource centre http://www.utoronto.ca/atrc/rd.html Ash Products http://www.ashtech.ie/ Assistive Education & Therapy Technologies http://www.assistive.co.uk/index.html Benefits now http://www.benefitsnowshop.co.uk/ British Healthcare Trades Association http://www.bhta.com/ Centre of Rehabilitation Engineering http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/kcsmd/mep/core.htm Cobolt Systems Ltd http://www.cobolt.co.uk//about.asp Disabled Living Foundation http://www.dlf.org.uk/ Dolphin Computer Access Ltd http://www.dolphinuk.co.uk/index.htm Electronic Aids for the Blind http://www.eabnet.org.uk/ En-Vision America, Inc. http://www.envisionamerica.com/txproducts.html Ferguson Enterprises http://www.fergusonenterprises.com/ Force Ten Company Ltd http://www.forcetenco.co.uk/new/home.htm Foundation for Assistive Technology http://www.fastuk.org/home.php3 Freedom Scientific Blind/Low Vision Group http://www.freedomscientific.com/ Gordon Ellis & Co http://www.gordonellis.com/ Independent Living Aids Inc. http://www.independentliving.com/ Joseph Rowntree Foundation http://www.jrf.org.uk/housingtrust/smarthomes/ Lighthouse International http://www.lighthouse.org/index.html Magnifico http://www.magnifyingglasses.co.uk/ Maxi Aids http://www.maxiaids.com/ Nottingham Rehab Supplies http://www.nottinghamrehabsupplies.co.uk Portset http://www.portset.co.uk/ rehabtool.com http://rehabtool.com/index.html Reinecker Reha-Technik GmbH http://www.reineckerreha.de/ RNIB http://info.rnib.org.uk/exe/prodcat/A2Z.pl Sight & Sound Technology http://www.sightandsound.co.uk/index.htm Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute http://www.ski.org/index.html Speak To Me http://www.speaktomecatalog.com/ Technology for living forum UK http://www.tfl-forum.org.uk/ The Disability Information Trust http://home.btconnect.com/ditrust/home.htm Tiresias http://www.tiresias.org/ Usability net http://www.lboro.ac.uk/info/usabilitynet/ Videospec Ltd http://www.videospec.co.uk/brochurepos.html Vision-Mate http://members.madasafish.com/~visionmate/ VisuAide http://www.visuaide.com/

Annex 1


Organisations contacted during the review of existing technology.

A Local Authority Social Services sensory and disability team Action for Blind People Birmingham Focus Cobalt systems Design Council Disabled Living Foundation Ergonomics Society Force Ten Company Ltd Foundation for Assistive Technology GDBA Helen Hamlyn Research Centre JMU Macular disease society Marion Hersh organiser of Conference on Assistive Technology for Vision and hearing impairment Nottingham Rehab Supplies Partially Sighted Society RNIB ICT customer services RNIB Product development RNIB Resource Centre RNIB Scientific research unit. SMART Thinking The Association of Control Manufacturers Association

Annex 2


Annex 2:

List of Assistive Technology devices from the survey of existing technology

Annex 2


List of Assistive Technology devices from the survey of existing technology Daily living aids in the kitchen Easy-to-see timer – to allow cooking times to be easily seen. Talking kitchen scales – to allow cooking items to be weighed. Talking microwave oven – to allow the person using it to know what settings they have set. Tie-on labels – to allow easy to read notes to be attached to cooking items. Door ajar alarm – to warn people that a cupboard door is open and may be a collision

hazard. Liquid level indicator – to allow a cup or other container to be filled to the correct level

with a hot liquid. Measuring cups – colour contrasted and tactile. Measuring jug – colour contrasted and tactile. Measuring spoons – colour coded. Talking microwave recipes – an alternative to recipe books. Food chopper – allows food to be chopped safely, without the need of a knife. Food seasoner – lighted mill grinds salt and pepper at the push of a button allowing one

hand free to catch and measure seasoning. Tea steeper – allows a tea bag to be brewed for a set time. Rain alert – this allows people to use a washing line, and then bring the washing in if it

starts to rain, even if they cannot see the rain. Plate surround – keeps food on plate whilst being chased around by a fork. Knife with guide – to allow safe and easy cutting of food into slices. Egg boiler – easy removal of boiled eggs to the table. Tactile meat thermometer – in 20ºF intervals 120 to 200ºF. Electric frying pan with Braille controls.

Daily living aids in the bathroom Magnifying tweezers – magnifies what you are removing. Nail Clipper with Magnifier. Talking digital thermometer – accurate to within .2ºF. Talking blood pressure monitor – also has extra large display, gives pulse rate. Talking scale – says weight in pounds or kilograms. Quiet unobtrusive voice. Easy-to-read scale – 1-inch high very bright LED read-out of weight. Bath alarm – audible alarm sounds when water reaches desired height, preventing

flooding. Pill organiser – easy way of checking that pills have been taken for that day. Medicine dispenser – allows easy measurement of 5ml doses of liquid. Eye drop dispenser – allows easy insertion of eye drops. Automatic bath filling – allows baths of the correct temperature and depth to be run. Talking glucose monitor – allows diabetics to monitor their blood level. Daily living aids in the living room Big button phone – makes dialling easier. Also available with Braille symbols and raised

numbers Talking caller ID – announces caller number.

Annex 2


Voice operated light switch – removes the need to search for a light switch, 150-watt maximum.

Universal remote – big numbers, controls up to 4 different devices. Talking video remote control – allowing confirmation of what the user has entered. Voice activated remote control – voice controlled unit, recognises 54 commands. TV Sound Receiver – allows someone to hear the sound channel from a television

without the need for a screen, which may be of no use.

Daily living aids for general use Bump-ons – self-adhesive bumps that can be applied to dials or buttons on appliances

(such as cookers, washing machines, video players) to mark useful settings. Large print address book. Large print diary. Large print calendar. Light probe – detects if a light is on. Personal Assistant – a PDA that records speech and allows it to be accessed in many

different ways; address book, personal calendar, calculator, clock, notetaker. This can be accessed by voice recognition.

Braille palmtop – a word processor, calculator, diary, telephone directory, clock with alarms, perpetual calendar, with voice output.

Easy-to-see calculator. Talking calculator. Easy-to-see pocket watch/wrist watch/wall clock. Tactile watch/alarm clock. Talking clock/alarm clock/wrist watch/alarm wrist watch. Talking address book. Talking calculator. Various voice recording devices – an alternative to writing down notes. Talking tape measure. Talking 7-day timer. Task lights – with suitable light vision can be improved. Microwave heat pad – a safer alternative to pouring boiling water into a hot water bottle Talking room thermometer – instead of having to read a small scale Talking pedometer – tells people how far they have travelled. Audible spirit level – allows people to check that surfaces are either horizontal or vertical. Talking compass (directional). Talking tape measure. Various Braille/Moon devices – to allow note taking and writing in Braille or Moon Pocket telephone dialler – allows people to check phone numbers before they are

dialled. Talking control unit – allows timer or temperature control of any appliance up to a

maximum rating of 2kW. Audible battery tester. Notepad with raised line/thick line notepaper – to allow writing to be neater. Writing frames – to guide writing for notes, cheques, envelopes. Various coin holders – to allow easy sorting of change.

Annex 2


Speaking sign/beacon – plays messages that have been recorded onto it, either at the press of a button or on a timed repeat.

Braille Dymo gun – allows Braille labels to be written on self-adhesive strips. Highly coloured adhesive tape – designed to be noticed, to stop collisions. Bar code reader – a device which allows a recorded message to be associated with a

bar code. When the bar code is scanned the message will play. It is also possible to attach barcodes to an object and label it uniquely, e.g. articles of clothing in a wardrobe.

Talking typewriter. Talking labels – allows the information in a microchip embedded within a paper label to

be read out, using a handheld electronic device. There are other devices which use different technology to the same effect, but the label is more moveable.

Automatic lawnmower – cuts the lawn by itself. Tactile inks – writes and dries as raised lettering. Iron guide – allows people to iron but keep their fingers away from the hot surface. Talking colour identifier – reports on brightness, hue and saturation. Key locator – beeps when it detects a whistle. Accessible lifts – voice messages stating which floor the lift is at, and tactile illuminated

large buttons, it is essential that if lifts are installed in communal dwellings they are accessible.

Colour contrasted external environment – any communal buildings should have an inclusive environment, to allow easy access to the front door of a dwelling.

Annex 3


annex 3:

Comparison between user needs and problems, and available technology.

Annex 3


Comparison between user needs and problems, and available technology

NEED / PROBLEM (identified in User needs survey) • Technology available (identified in survey of existing technology)

Reading / communication

Knowing what packaging contains (writing on labels is difficult to read; containers are similar to each other).

• Talking labels – allows the information in a microchip embedded within a paper label to be read out, using a handheld electronic device.

• Braille Dymo gun – allows Braille labels to be written on self-adhesive strips.

Reading letters, bills etc. • Large print address book. • Large print diary. • Large print calendar. • Tactile inks – writes and dries as raised lettering. • Magnifiers/telescopes • Scanners, sometimes with speech synthesisers

Other available technology • Bar code reader – a device which allows a recorded message to be

associated with a bar code. When the bar code is scanned the message will play. It is also possible to attach barcodes to an object and label it uniquely, e.g. articles of clothing in a wardrobe.

• Talking typewriter. • Personal Assistant – a PDA that records speech and allows it to be

accessed in many different ways; address book, personal calendar, calculator, clock, notetaker. This can be accessed by voice recognition.

• Talking address book. • Various voice recording devices – an alternative to writing down notes. • Various Braille/Moon devices – to allow note taking and writing in Braille or

Moon • Notepad with raised line/thick line notepaper – to allow writing to be neater. • Writing frames – to guide writing for notes, cheques, envelopes.

Annex 3


Security

Letting people in (knowing who is there; reading ID cards)


• ‘Smart’ door entry systems • Motorised windows • Door opening mechanisms – fully automated or power assisted

Signs of occupancy (knowing when to close curtains and turn on lights) • Programmable lighting controls • Curtain motors

Using/setting up electronic equipment

Using telephones (mobile telephones controls are often difficult to see and operate; telephones specifically designed for VIPs seem not to have complex functions e.g. memory)

• Big button phone – makes dialling easier. Also available with Braille symbols and raised numbers

• Talking caller ID – announces caller number. • TV Sound Receiver – allows someone to hear the sound channel from a

television without the need for a screen, which may be of no use. • Pocket telephone dialler – allows people to check phone numbers before

they are dialled.

Using equipment (controls for TVs, CD players etc are often difficult to see because of their size and colour; remote controls do not give suitable feedback so VIPs find it hard to tell what they are doing)

• Universal remote – big numbers, controls up to 4 different devices. • Talking video remote control – allowing confirmation of what the user has

entered. • Voice activated remote control – voice controlled unit, recognises 54

commands. • Bump-ons – self-adhesive bumps that can be applied to dials or buttons on

appliances (such as cookers, washing machines, video players) to mark useful settings.

Annex 3


• Braille palmtop – a word processor, calculator, diary, telephone directory, clock with alarms, perpetual calendar, with voice output.

• Easy-to-see calculator. • Talking calculator. • Easy-to-see pocket watch/wrist watch/wall clock. • Tactile watch/alarm clock. • Talking clock/alarm clock/wrist watch/alarm wrist watch.

Heating (setting timing controls and thermostats; fitting fire guards) • Talking control unit – allows timer or temperature control of any appliance

to a maximum rating of 2kW

Personal care Cooking properly (e.g. knowing when meat is done)

• Tea steeper – allows a tea bag to be brewed for a set time. • Electric frying pan with Braille controls. • Tactile meat thermometer – in 20ºF intervals 120 to 200ºF. • Talking microwave oven – to allow the person using it to know what

settings they have set. • Talking microwave recipes – an alternative to recipe books. • Easy-to-see timer – to allow cooking times to be easily seen. • Talking kitchen scales – to allow cooking items to be weighed. • Tie-on labels – to allow easy to read notes to be attached to cooking items. • Measuring cups – colour contrasted and tactile. • Measuring jug – colour contrasted and tactile. • Measuring spoons – colour coded. • Food seasoner – lighted mill grinds salt and pepper at the push of a button

allowing one hand free to catch and measure seasoning. Monitoring one's own and others' health (thermometers are difficult to read)

• Talking glucose monitor – allows diabetics to monitor their blood level. • Talking digital thermometer – accurate to within .2ºF. • Talking blood pressure monitor – also has extra large display, gives pulse

rate. Taking medicine (issues to do with packaging)

• Medicine dispenser – allows easy measurement of 5ml doses of liquid. • Eye drop dispenser – allows easy insertion of eye drops.

Annex 3


• Pill organiser – easy way of checking that pills have been taken for that day.

Looking after themselves and others properly (e.g. using the right setting on the washing machine; using the right temperature on the iron; matching clothes, shoes and socks)

• Nail Clipper with Magnifier • Magnifying tweezers – magnifies what you are removing. • Easy-to-read scale – 1-inch high very bright LED read-out of weight.

Opening packaging (clear plastic collars around the tops of jars are difficult to see and fiddly to remove; medicine/bleach bottle lids are tricky to open)

Accidents Accidents (cutting themselves with knives; knocking pans off cookers; spilling when pouring hot liquids; touching hot cookers; leaving cookers on after finished cooking)

• Liquid level indicator – to allow a cup or other container to be filled to the correct level with a hot liquid.

• Food chopper – allows food to be chopped safely, without the need of a knife.

• Knife with guide – to allow safe and easy cutting of food into slices. • Egg boiler – easy removal of boiled eggs to the table. • Microwave heat pad – a safer alternative to pouring boiling water into a hot

water bottle Making a mess (overfilling containers; pots boiling over)

• Plate surround – keeps food on plate whilst being chased around by a fork. Accidents (cannot see where or whether bleach has spilt) Accidents in the bathroom (e.g. slipping because puddles of water difficult to see)

• Talking scale – says weight in pounds or kilograms. Quiet unobtrusive voice.

• Bath alarm – audible alarm sounds when water reaches desired height, preventing flooding.

• Automatic bath filling – allows baths of the correct temperature and depth to be run.

Accidents in other contexts (e.g. burning themselves on the iron) • Iron guide – allows people to iron but keep their fingers away from the hot

surface Accidents with permanent features (bumping into doors and radiators; walking into glass doors)

Annex 3


• Door ajar alarm – to warn people that a cupboard door is open and may be a collision hazard.

Accidents with moveable objects (tripping over furniture or children's toys) Accidents with changes in levels and stairs (e.g. stair guards for babies are difficult for VIPs to fit)

• Highly coloured adhesive tape – designed to be noticed, to stop collisions. Electricity (concern about not seeing children putting their fingers into sockets)

Housework – within and around the home environment Telling when housework is needed (cannot tell when fridge or freezer needs defrosting) Telling when housework is done properly (hoovering, dusting, cleaning shiny surfaces and toilets; may do repeatedly or excessively to make sure they are clean) Using equipment (it is difficult to tell when hoover bags are full and fiddly to change them) Setting up and assembling equipment (instructions are often not accessible; assembling equipment e.g. gyms from flat packs may be hard for VIPs) Finding things around the home (this is difficult if objects are not their usual place)

• Key locator – beeps when it detects a whistle. Lighting (particular types of lighting are needed for different impairments; it is difficult to tell whether lights are is on, particularly with two way and dimmer switches).

• Voice operated light switch – removes the need to search for a light switch, 150-watt maximum

• Light probe – detects if a light is on. • Task lights – with suitable light vision can be improved. • Rain alert – this allows people to use a washing line, and then bring the

washing in if it starts to rain, even if they cannot see the rain. • Talking tape measure. • Talking 7-day timer. • Talking room thermometer – instead of having to read a small scale • Talking pedometer – tells people how far they have travelled. • Audible spirit level – allows people to check that surfaces are either

horizontal or vertical. • Talking compass (directional). • Audible battery tester.

Annex 3


• Various coin holders – to allow easy sorting of change. • Coin / banknote identifiers • Speaking sign/beacon – plays messages that have been recorded onto it,

either at the press of a button or on a timed repeat • Automatic lawnmower – cuts the lawn by itself. • Talking colour identifier – reports on brightness, hue and saturation. • Colour contrasted external environment – any communal buildings should

have an inclusive environment, to allow easy access to the front door of a dwelling.

• Accessible lifts – voice messages stating which floor the lift is at, and tactile illuminated large buttons, it is essential that if lifts are installed in communal dwellings they are accessible.

Annex 4


Annex 4

List of delegates to workshop / seminar

Annex 4


Delegate name Organisation Tony Aston Thomas Pocklington Trust Angela McCullagh Thomas Pocklington Trust Ron Bramley Thomas Pocklington Trust Mary Croft Jewish Blind & Disabled Natalie Black Jewish Blind & Disabled Dr John Gill OBE Royal National Institute for the Blind Miss Sylvie Perera Royal National Institute for the Blind Sabine van den Heuvel Royal National Institute for the Blind,

Peterborough Mary Wagstaff Helen Hamlyn Research Centre Michael Thomas Brace Vision 20 - 20 Bob Welsh Action for Blind People Ms Julie Qualters Action for Blind People Ms Sue Phillips Action for Blind People Chris Croft NALSVI Mr Stelios Voutsadakis Barrier Free Building Design Dan Whistler North British Housing Henry Nicolson Organisation of Blind Afro Caribbeans Adrian Higginbotham Salford University Keith Bright University of Reading Geoff Cook University of Reading Prof Peter Lansley University of Reading Alastair Holland The Abbeyfield Society Peter Buller London Borough of Croydon Peter Haseler ABB Dr Richard Curry University of Sussex Dr Julienne Hanson University College London Reem Zako University College London Steve Ongeri The Housing Corporation Carin Dawson Watford Council Eloise Kerr RoSPA Alan Brooks Guide Dogs for the Blind Iain Hopkin Pocklington Homes (members of public) Alison Wood Pocklington Homes (members of public) Tom Fagan Seeability Pauline Adjetey Southwark & London Dioces & H.A. Rod Carne National Blind Childrens Society Colin Bennett SENSE Dr David A Carus University of Strathclyde Terry Taylor Michael Thomas Brace Vision 20 - 20 David Kelly National Federation of the Blind Chris Croft NALSVI Iain Hopkin Members of the Public Alison Wood Members of the Public

Annex 4


Rod Carne National Blind Childrens Society Colin Bennett Sense Adrian Higginbotham Salford University

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Annex 5

Agenda for the Workshop/seminar

Delegate briefing report



AGENDA

Seminar on housing-related assistive technology

for visually impaired people

13th December 2001, Royal National Hotel, London

10.00-10.30 Tea/coffee and registration

10.30-10.45 Introduction and welcome

(Tony Aston, Thomas Pocklington Trust)

10.45-11.00 Review of existing technology (Mike Wright, BRE)

11.00-11.15 Survey of user needs (Kathryn Rathouse, BRE) 11.15-11.30 Gap analysis (Mike Wright, BRE)

11.30-1.00 Break out sessions (discussion among delegates,

led by BRE facilitators)

1.00-2.00 Lunch

2.00-2.45 Report back from break out sessions (delegates)

2.45-3.30 Conclusion and way forward (BRE)

3.30 Tea/coffee and close

TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE



Housing related assistive technology for visually impaired people – comparison of user needs and available technology

INTRODUCTION There are many aspects of daily independent living that blind and partially sighted people find more difficult to do, particularly if the appliances and tools they are using have not been well designed. For example if the cooking instructions on a microwave meal are printed in a small font on shiny plastic wrapping then it can be awkward for the visually impaired to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even if the information can be accessed it can then be awkward to set the controls of the microwave to deliver the correct cooking time, if the dial on the microwave has small numbers around it. Clearly if either the packaging or microwave was better designed then partially sighted people would find it easier to prepare microwaved meals. It is also possible that with other tools, such as devices which could recognise what the cooking requirements of a meal were, and either program the microwave, or merely pass the information to someone by Braille or speech, then someone with no light perception could cook the meal. Both of these approaches, better designed devices and tools, or devices that are of particular use to a particular section of the community, can be thought of as Assistive Technology. It may be surprising to think of something as simple as a microwave control with large clear numbers as technology, but both high and low tech devices can be invaluable in making life easy to live for all members of society. This is recognised in the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 which says:(1) The term "assistive technology device" means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customised, that is used



to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It is of particular interest to find out what Assistive Technology (AT) is available for visually impaired people (VIPs) as this group is so large. It is thought that there are over one million people in the UK who could be registered blind or partially sighted. The majority of these people are elderly, and with the ageing population of the UK it is likely that the number of people with some kind of visual impairment will increase over the next few decades. It is important that if there are lacks and omissions in the supply of AT for this growing group, then they should be investigated and remedied as soon as possible. It is of particular importance to allow people whose sight deteriorates in later life to carry on living in an environment that they are familiar with, if this is safe to do so and that is what they want. By giving them the tools to carry on living at home then they have more independence and control over their lives. The aim of this survey, and the seminar associated with it, is to determine the look at the needs of visually impaired people, compare those needs with currently available assistive technology and thus identify areas where there is scope for further devices to be developed. In addition, the survey of user needs also sought views on ♦ What assistive technology should be like ♦ How assistive technology should be made available. No attempt has been made in this survey to categorise views or available technology in terms of importance or usefulness to VIPs. Rather, the results summarised in this report are intended to stimulate discussion in the forthcoming seminar which will consider those issues.

METHOD The survey has been carried out in two parallel stages. The survey of available AT involved both an internet search allowing easy access to national and international sources of



information, and contacting various main centres of information for VIPs as well as manufacturers, designers and researchers. Similarly, two approaches were taken to look at the issue of user needs. Three focus groups were held with visually impaired members of the public, and 17 Interviews were undertaken with representatives of organisations working in the field. Participants in the focus groups told us about the effects of their impairments on daily life at home and what technology they use or would like to overcome difficulties. Participants were chosen to try to obtain as full a range of views as possible. They included a good balance of men and women, ranged in age from early 20s to late 70s, and differed in extent, type and length of visual impairment. To supplement the focus groups, we spoke to representatives of organisations concerned with housing, care or assistive technology for visually impaired people. Several of these interviewees were visually impaired themselves or had experience of visual impairment through family members. In addition they had experience of working with a large number and range of users so could fill in some of the views we had missed in our focus groups. They also drew attention to the types of issues that they would consider when providing or advising about assistive technology.

RESULTS

1. COMPARISON OF USER NEEDS AND AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGY

The table at the end of the report lists all the issues and problems raised during the focus groups and telephone interviews. They have been grouped together under six different headings (reading and communication, security, using



and setting up electronic equipment, personal care, accidents, and housework within and around the home environment).

Alongside each separate issue or problem has been listed all the identified currently available technology which may be relevant. From the table two things are clear. Firstly, there appear to be some gaps in available technology. For example, opening some type of packaging, safety issues and things to do with general housework are all areas identified where users perceive a need for help, but none was identified in the survey. of The second observation is that users feel that they have a need for assistive technology for situations where quite a lot of products are already available.

There may well be sensible explanations for these observations. In some cases where a gap has been identified technology may not be practical or cost effective to produce, such as a device that indicated the cleanliness of a room. In other cases where technology is apparently abundantly available it may be that the equipment is too specific to be of general use to a wide range of VIPs. The seminar will attempt to shed light on these issues.

2. WHAT SHOULD ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BE LIKE? Participants in the user needs surveys explained what they liked and disliked about existing assistive technology, what would encourage them, put them off, make it easy or difficult for them to use new technology.

Listed below are a number of ‘desirable’ characteristics of assistive technology that emerged from the user needs survey. The list raises issues but does not provide a checklist for manufacturers. Several participants suggested it would be useful to develop a checklist and some guidelines exist already. However, participants pointed out that a checklist would not be sufficient to ensure that suitable assistive technology is developed. Firstly, if manufacturers are really to take the



recommendations on board a British Standard, for instance, would provide more clout. Secondly, the process of development is important and it is not enough to follow a checklist. Products should be tested thoroughly at the design stage with real people in real situations. Several participants liked the idea of a testing panel made up of people with a variety of visual impairments and needs.

NOT TOO COSTLY Assistive technology should be available at a reasonable cost, both initial purchase cost and running cost, so that they are within reach of all VIPs. While almost all those asked accepted that devices such as talking microwaves should cost more than ordinary microwaves, they felt that they should cost only slightly more.

'ADD ON' It would be useful to be able to add accessible technology on to mainstream appliances and homes e.g. buying a mainstream microwave and adding on something to make it talk rather than buying a talking microwave. The benefits mentioned for making assistive technology available as an add on include:

• lower cost because the appliance or home itself would be mainstream

• opportunity to make the most of existing technology e.g. community alarm infrastructure could be used in many other ways

• flexibility e.g. can be transferred to another appliance when the appliance needs replacing, or when the AT is no longer needed.

However, for 'add ons' more compatibility between systems would be needed than exists at the moment.



SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE Assistive technology should not feel stigmatising to users. Where it has the 'disabled look' or appears childlike and patronising this will put some users off. It should also be acceptable to other people sharing the home e.g. in sheltered housing fully sighted residents may object to colour schemes that might be suitable for visually impaired residents.

CHOICE VIPs should be able to choose among different designs of the same product so that individual likes and dislikes can be catered for. For instance, individuals mentioned disliking the voice of a talking clock, the shape of a talking calculator, or all gadgets that bleeped at him.

EASE OF USE Making technology simple to use for VIPs should not be achieved by removing complex functions available to other users. For example, participants ion the focus groups objected to a large button telephone without memory functions.

Information about how to use assistive technology should be clear. Operating instructions should be accessible (e.g. audiotape, large print or Braille). Designs should signal what they do (e.g. proper handles on doors, taps on sinks that look like taps) which is often not the case with sleek 'ultramodern' design. Training in using devices and technical support may be needed for some assistive technology.

The means of operation should not require accuracy (e.g. clicking on tiny icons on computer screens). Voice activation would be useful for many users, but not those with speech problems. Touch screens were mentioned only once in the interviews and focus groups and on this occasion not favourably.



Feedback is needed so that users know how appliances etc are working e.g. to let the user know whether they have set the washing machine correctly and where it is up to in its cycle at any time. Audio feedback is popular and there was a general feeling that talking appliances should be much more widespread. Care needs to be taken to design controls that give information e.g. clicks for on/off. Digital controls, dimmer switches and two way light switches cause problems because they do not always provide this information.

PRACTICAL AND SAFE Devices should be small so that they do not get in the way, adding extra clutter that already causes problems for visually impaired people. Where they are intended to be portable, they should be lightweight. Rubber feet are useful to stop things slipping. If batteries are needed they should be easy to replace; where products are used for food or drink they should be easily cleaned; and devices generally need to be tough to cope with being knocked and dropped.

HIGH TECH VS LOW TECH The question of whether AT should be high or low tech prompted a range of responses. High technology solutions are possible for a range of problems e.g. technology in SMART homes. Although some participants in the study were wary of high tech devices or thought that others would be (e.g. elderly VIPs or those who had not used IT prior to becoming visually impaired), others cited cases where this wariness has been overcome. Making the benefits clear, showing that technology works (e.g. through demonstrations by peers), adequate and suitable training, and trust (e.g. knowing that technology is being provided by an organisation that has proven reliable in the past) are seen as key issues in achieving this.

There are many opportunities for low-tech solutions to problems. A number were suggested by interviewees and



some had been developed by resourceful VIPs themselves. In some cases low technology solutions may be more appropriate (e.g. because of their cost). Interviewees pointed out that it is important not to neglect their development. Examples of high tech and low tech solutions suggested by participants to a range of problems are shown in the table below.

Problem Low tech solution High tech solution

1. Packaging 1. Tactile symbols on packaging

2. Taking care with size, font, colour & background of writing on labels

3. Making plastic collars on jars a more visible colour

Scanner for bar codes (but how would visually impaired people find the bar code?)

2. Cooking Bars around hobs Sensors with alerts to say when e.g. something is boiling over, oven left on longer than usual

3. Housework Use blocks of toilet rather than bleach

Self cleaning sink

4. Healthcare Monitoring people in SMART homes

5. Personal hygiene & appearance

6. Communication

Bills clearly laid out etc (e.g. BT bill)

Mobile phones with large print and illumination (e.g.



Vodafone)

7. Leisure Talking tape recorders and hi fis

8. Moving around the home

Colour strips on glazing and stairs

Automatic doors with movement sensors

9. Security Intercoms

Alarm system to show whether doors/windows left open

Keyless locks e.g. recognising fingerprints Devices to recognise utility company swipe cards

Central locking

10. Environmental control

Electric sockets covered (as telephone sockets are)

Talking thermometer

Movement sensors e.g. turning on lights when people enter room or when they get out of bed

Automatic windows for temperature control

3. HOW SHOULD ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY BE MADE AVAILABLE?

The final aim of the user needs survey was to understand how VIPs find out about and obtain assistive technology, and how they feel this should happen. The need for more information and awareness came across clearly in this study. When VIPs came across informed people outside organisations specifically concerned with visual impairment, they considered them to be out of the ordinary e.g. one fabulous OT in a hospital whose help was seen as a labour of love, or one interested shopkeeper who sent out of his way to provide useful products.



The need for more information was matched by the desire for it. Many representatives of organisations we spoke to were keen to find out more about what is available. In the focus groups VIPs were interested to hear of ways that others had found of dealing with problems that they had not been aware of before.

Information needs to be targeted at groups who are overlooked at present. For instance, those who have other disabilities may be classified by their primary disability and overlooked when it comes to providing information relating to their visual impairment. It is important to be aware of all those who live and work with VIPs and to provide information for them e.g. carers and dependants not just the visually impaired person him/herself; professionals dealing with visually impaired people in health care as well as housing and social care.

The four main sources of information on assistive technology were identified and are discussed below.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT/DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS Many of those interviewed had found out about and obtained assistive technology through resource centres, demonstrations, catalogues or magazine provided by one or other visual impairment charities. They had found this route very helpful. However, others had avoided this route because they felt uncomfortable with it and found it stigmatising.

WORD OF MOUTH For those involved in a visually impaired community through their workplace, college or social group, word of mouth provided an important source of information. For VIPs outside these communities, a large proportion of the visually impaired population, this will not be available to them.



MAINSTREAM RETAILERS/SUPPLIERS Mainstream retailers have the potential to be an important source of information and AT products, and this would be universally welcomed by the participants who discussed the issue. Although some felt it would be unrealistic to expect this change, others felt that a limited amount of useful technology is already available through mainstream suppliers.

The increasing number of elderly people in the UK provides a growing market for assistive technology related to visual impairment. Also technology to help VIPs could be a selling point for those without sight problems. Examples from other countries suggest how easily assistive technology could be integrated into mainstream retailers e.g. one interviewee described a floor of assistive technology in a mainstream department store in Japan.

HOUSING AND CARE PROFESSIONALS Both professionals and users felt that housing and care professionals' knowledge about assistive technology for VIPs should be improved. It lags behind knowledge about other types of impairments.

Professionals in particular contexts could play a key role in speeding up the 'learning curve'. In hospitals and eye clinics, there is a perfect opportunity to inform newly visually impaired people about what is available to help them. In day care centres etc potential users could be shown assistive technology before their eyesight deteriorates so that they are prepared.

CONCLUSIONS There are many devices available that use minimal technology, such as magnifiers, canes, and money handling devices, and these are regarded as essential for everyday living to the visually impaired person.



Products available at present have the potential to simplify many of the current difficulties faced. There are, though, many VIPs who are not using that technology. The reasons are varied, and include lack of awareness, cost and other issues such as social stigma.

There are many areas where information technology can be put to good use. This would range from scanners to assist with reading and other forms of communication through to ‘smart’ technology for keyless door entry. Some of these products are now being marketed, but there remain a number of areas where help is needed which have eluded the development of suitable technology.

These issues will be discussed in more detail at the seminar in December.

Annex 5


COMPARISON BETWEEN USER NEEDS AND PROBLEMS, AND AVAILABLE TECHNOLGY

NEED / PROBLEM TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE

Reading / communication

Knowing what packaging contains (writing on labels is difficult to read; containers are similar to each other).

Talking labels – allows the information in a microchip embedded within a paper label to be read out, using a handheld electronic device. Braille Dymo gun – allows Braille labels to be written on self-

adhesive strips. Reading letters, bills etc. Large print address book.

Large print diary. Large print calendar. Tactile inks – writes and dries as raised lettering. Magnifiers/telescopes Scanners, sometimes with speech synthesisers

Annex 5


Other available technology Bar code reader – a device which allows a recorded message

to be associated with a bar code. When the bar code is scanned the message will play. It is also possible to attach barcodes to an object and label it uniquely, e.g. articles of clothing in a wardrobe.

Talking typewriter. Personal Assistant – a PDA that records speech and allows it

to be accessed in many different ways; address book, personal calendar, calculator, clock, notetaker. This can be accessed by voice recognition.

Talking address book. Various voice recording devices – an alternative to writing

down notes. Various Braille/Moon devices – to allow note taking and writing

in Braille or Moon Notepad with raised line/thick line notepaper – to allow writing

to be neater. Writing frames – to guide writing for notes, cheques,

envelopes.

Security

Annex 5


Letting people in (seeing who is there; reading ID cards) Door opening mechanisms – fully automated or power assisted


‘Smart’ door entry systems Motorised windows

Signs of occupancy (knowing when to close curtains and turn on lights)

Programmable lighting controls

Curtain motors Using/setting up electronic equipment Using telephones (mobile telephones controls are often difficult to see and operate; telephones specifically designed for VIPs seem not to have complex functions e.g. memory)

Big button phone – makes dialling easier. Also available with Braille symbols and raised numbers

Talking caller ID – announces caller number. TV Sound Receiver – allows someone to hear the sound

channel from a television without the need for a screen, which may be of no use.

Pocket telephone dialler – allows people to check phone numbers before they are dialled.

Using equipment (controls for TVs, CD players etc are often difficult to see because of their size and colour; remote controls do not give suitable feedback so VIPs find it hard to tell what they

Universal remote – big numbers, controls up to 4 different devices.

Talking video remote control – allowing confirmation of what

Annex 5


are doing) the user has entered. Voice activated remote control – voice controlled unit,

recognises 54 commands. Bump-ons – self-adhesive bumps that can be applied to dials

or buttons on appliances (such as cookers, washing machines, video players) to mark useful settings.

Braille palmtop – a word processor, calculator, diary, telephone directory, clock with alarms, perpetual calendar, with voice output.

Easy-to-see calculator. Talking calculator. Easy-to-see pocket watch/wrist watch/wall clock. Tactile watch/alarm clock. Talking clock/alarm clock/wrist watch/alarm wrist watch.

Heating (setting timing controls and thermostats; fitting fire guards)

Talking control unit – allows timer or temperature control of any appliance up to a maximum rating of 2kW.

Personal care

Cooking properly (e.g. knowing when meat is done)

Tea steeper – allows a tea bag to be brewed for a set time. Electric frying pan with Braille controls.

Annex 5


Tactile meat thermometer – in 20ºF intervals 120 to 200ºF. Talking microwave oven – to allow the person using it to know

what settings they have set. Talking microwave recipes – an alternative to recipe books. Easy-to-see timer – to allow cooking times to be easily seen. Talking kitchen scales – to allow cooking items to be weighed. Tie-on labels – to allow easy to read notes to be attached to

cooking items. Measuring cups – colour contrasted and tactile. Measuring jug – colour contrasted and tactile. Measuring spoons – colour coded. Food seasoner – lighted mill grinds salt and pepper at the push of a button allowing one hand free to catch and measure seasoning.

Monitoring one's own and others' health (thermometers are difficult to read)

Talking glucose monitor – allows diabetics to monitor their blood level.

Talking digital thermometer – accurate to within .2ºF. Talking blood pressure monitor – also has extra large display,

gives pulse rate. Taking medicine (issues to do with packaging) Medicine dispenser – allows easy measurement of 5ml doses

Annex 5


of liquid. Eye drop dispenser – allows easy insertion of eye drops. Pill organiser – easy way of checking that pills have been taken

for that day. Looking after themselves and others properly (e.g. using the right setting on the washing machine; using the right temperature on the iron; matching clothes, shoes and socks)

Nail Clipper with Magnifier Magnifying tweezers – magnifies what you are removing. Easy-to-read scale – 1-inch high very bright LED read-out of

weight. Opening packaging (clear plastic collars around the tops of jars are difficult to see and fiddly to remove; medicine/bleach bottle lids are tricky to open)

Accidents

Accidents (cutting themselves with knives; knocking pans off cookers; spilling when pouring hot liquids; touching hot cookers; leaving cookers on after finished cooking)

Liquid level indicator – to allow a cup or other container to be filled to the correct level with a hot liquid.

Food chopper – allows food to be chopped safely, without the need of a knife.

Knife with guide – to allow safe and easy cutting of food into slices.

Egg boiler – easy removal of boiled eggs to the table.

Annex 5


Microwave heat pad – a safer alternative to pouring boiling water into a hot water bottle

Making a mess (overfilling containers; pots boiling over)

Plate surround – keeps food on plate whilst being chased around by a fork.

Accidents (cannot see where or whether bleach has spilt)

Accidents in the bathroom (e.g. slipping because puddles of water difficult to see)

Talking scale – says weight in pounds or kilograms. Quiet unobtrusive voice.

Bath alarm – audible alarm sounds when water reaches desired height, preventing flooding.

Automatic bath filling – allows baths of the correct temperature and depth to be run.

Accidents in other contexts (e.g. burning themselves on the iron)

Iron guide – allows people to iron but keep their fingers away from the hot surface

Accidents with permanent features (bumping into doors and radiators; walking into glass doors)

Door ajar alarm – to warn people that a cupboard door is open and may be a collision hazard.

Accidents with moveable objects (tripping over furniture or children's toys)

Accidents with changes in levels and stairs (e.g. stair guards for babies are difficult for VIPs to fit)

Highly coloured adhesive tape – designed to be noticed, to stop collisions.

Annex 5


Electricity (concern about not seeing children putting their fingers into sockets)

Housework – within and around the home environment

Telling when housework is needed (cannot tell when fridge or freezer needs defrosting)

Telling when housework is done properly (hoovering, dusting, cleaning shiny surfaces and toilets; may do repeatedly or excessively to make sure they are clean)

Using equipment (it is difficult to tell when hoover bags are full and fiddly to change them)

Setting up and assembling equipment (instructions are often not accessible; assembling equipment e.g. gyms from flat packs may be hard for VIPs)

Finding things around the home (this is difficult if objects are not their usual place)

Key locator – beeps when it detects a whistle.

Lighting (particular types of lighting are needed for different impairments; it is difficult to tell whether lights are is on, particularly with two way and dimmer switches)

Voice operated light switch – removes the need to search for a light switch, 150-watt maximum Light probe – detects if a light is on.

Annex 5


Task lights – with suitable light vision can be improved. Rain alert – this allows people to use a washing line, and then

bring the washing in if it starts to rain, even if they cannot see the rain.

Talking tape measure. Talking 7-day timer. Talking room thermometer – instead of having to read a small

scale Talking pedometer – tells people how far they have travelled. Audible spirit level – allows people to check that surfaces are

either horizontal or vertical. Talking compass (directional). Audible battery tester. Various coin holders – to allow easy sorting of change. Coin / banknote identifiers Speaking sign/beacon – plays messages that have been recorded onto it, either at the press of a button or on a timed repeat Automatic lawnmower – cuts the lawn by itself. Talking colour identifier – reports on brightness, hue and

Annex 5


saturation. Colour contrasted external environment – any communal

buildings should have an inclusive environment, to allow easy access to the front door of a dwelling.

Accessible lifts – voice messages stating which floor the lift is at, and tactile illuminated large buttons, it is essential that if lifts are installed in communal dwellings they are accessible

Annex 6


Annex 6

Agenda for Breakout sessions

Detailed guidance for Facilitators for breakout sessions

Breakout session proforma for feedback

Annex 6


Agenda for breakout sessions The user issues arising from the user needs survey will be grouped into six general topic areas and the available technology identified by Mike mapped across. Each breakout group will be given one of these general areas to discuss. The programme will be as follows: 11:30 Introductions and brief explanation by facilitator on what the session will

cover. 11:45 Brief presentation (using pre-prepared flip charts) on findings of user

needs and available technology surveys. 5 or 10 minute brainstorm on any issues that may not have been picked

up from user survey, followed by Pareto analysis to determine one or two (max) most important issues.

12:00 Exercise to match items of available technology to main issue(s). This

should be a relatively short list arrived at be Pareto or similar analysis. Brainstorm to tease out how people deal with the issues now

• Do they use existing technology - if not why not. • Have they developed their own solution? • Vote on best / most likely solution

12:15 Discussion on what would they like by way of A.T. to make

them better able to cope with the issue/problem. • What should the A.T. be like? • How will it work? • Is the kit totally new or could existing products be modified? • Who should be doing what and by when to get the new kit

available (i.e. what action plan should be in place)? • What dissemination routes are best to raise awareness?

12:45 Development of feedback material

Annex 6

BRE Client report number Error! Bookmark not defined. © Building Research Establishment Ltd 2003 Commercial in confidence 108Report Ends

Guidance for Facilitators of breakout sessions

A. Introductions and overview (11.30-11.45) Objective - make sure that everyone understands the purpose of the session and break the ice 1. Facilitator to briefly explain: • theme of session • issues to be covered in session • ground rules - please feel free to disagree, we welcome different views • will be using flipchart to record ideas but reading these back regularly 2. Round table - delegates to briefly say • their name • what they do • what sector they come from i.e. manufacturer/ researcher/housing provider/ care

provider/ visual impairment organisation Facilitators may want to jot this information down 3. Ask for volunteer • Someone will need to feedback information to the group in the afternoon - who would

like to do this? • If noone volunteers (unlikely) tell them you'll have to pick someone! B. Within your theme, what are users' needs and which is the priority need for developing/improving assistive technology? (11.45-12.00) Objectives - (a) to get a full list of user needs and (b) to identify one or two priority needs to focus on in the rest of the break out session 1. Explain background • We have identified some user needs already in the user needs survey • We may have missed some (the study was small scale and although we tried to get

as full a range of views as possible we are aware that we missed some) • We also did not get any clear messages about priorities 2. Ask what other needs do visually impaired people have i.e. what needs have we missed? • Read through needs already identified (from flipchart provided) • BRAINSTORM other needs 3. Ask which user needs/issues are priorities for developing or improving assistive technology i.e. what needs should we focus on for the rest of the session? • Read through list of needs

Annex 6


• PARETO VOTE to determine one or two (max) most important need/issues • Remember to say that other issues will be recorded • Remember to ask if everybody is happy with the chosen need/issue(s) C. For the issue/need chosen in stage B, what are solutions are available and what solutions should be available? (12.00-12.15) Objectives: (a) to find out how people deal with the issue/need chosen in stage B, (b) to find out how else they would like to deal with the issue/need, and (c) pick one solution for working up in more detail (functional specification and action plan) 1. BRAINSTORM what solutions exist at the moment? • read through list of existing technology and pick out which bits relate to the

issue/need chosen at stage B • ask what other technology exists • ask what other solutions people have e.g. home made (e.g. putting different pills into

different colour packets to distinguish them) or mainstream (e.g. bleach blocks in the toilet, large screen TV)

2. Ask what existing solutions are used at the moment • Go through list and tick which solutions used • Where solutions are not used ask why not and record this reason (likely to include

high cost, stigma associated with it, don't know about it) 3. BRAINSTORM what solutions would they like to see that are not available at the moment? 4. PARETO VOTE on solutions to focus on for the rest of the session • Read solutions from lists of existing solutions (stage 1) and those that don't exist but

should (stage 3) • Pick one or two solutions to focus on for working up into functional specifications and

action plans. • Remember to say that other issues will be recorded • Remember to ask if everybody is happy with the chosen need/issue(s)

D. What should the kit/product be like? (12.15-12.30) Objective - to come up with a description of an ideal product that a

manufacturer could take away and develop You might have time to do this for more than one product. BRAINSTORM characteristics/features of the kit chosen at stage C as the most

promising solution.

Annex 6


If they don't mention the following and they seem relevant, prompt: • Is the kit totally new or could existing products be modified? • Is the kit low tech or high tech? • How will it work? • Ease of use - what would make it easy for people to use? • Desirability - what would make people want to use it? • Safety features - what would make the product safer to use? • Portability - does it need to be portable? what would make it portable? • Cost - what would be reasonable? (Watch out not to get too side tracked

here!) E. Who should be doing what and by when to make the kit

available? (12.30-12.45) Objective - to come up with an action plan covering all stakeholders for making the kit more available You might have time to do this for more than one product. BRAINSTORM an action plan for making the kit chosen at stage C and developed at stage D available. Probably easiest to record as three columns (who, what, when). Who should be taking action? If they don't mention all the stakeholders, prompt them. What could each of the following groups be doing? • manufacturers • suppliers • researchers • policy makers/government • housing providers • care providers • organisations representing visually impaired people e.g. RNIB • visually impaired members of the public What should they be doing? Ask them directly about: • What dissemination routes are best to raise awareness? How/where would they like

to see products advertised/sold? • What sorts of research is needed to form the basis for product development? When should action be taken? Probably just ask whether actions are urgent or not urgent F. Development of feedback material (12.45-1.00) NB If things run on a bit, it would be OK to do this in the lunch hour.

Annex 6


Objective - to produce focused material for feedback in the afternoon feedback session 1 Explain the purpose of the pro forma • All groups will be feeding back in the afternoon • There will only be about 5-10 minutes for each group • We need to pull out the key points 2 Fill in the pro forma

Proforma for feedback The proforma should cover the following: General Topic Area (Could be completed in advance) Main problems/issues Statement of what the group felt were the one or two

main issues. Solutions Existing available solutions:

Short list of existing technology (if any) aimed at particular problem. Solutions being used:

List of solutions (home grown or otherwise) currently being used.

Ideal solution(s) Short list of most helpful solutions (whether or not

available)

Characteristics of ideal solution • What would it be like • How would it work

Actions Who should be doing what – list of players, actions and

timescales

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