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Disability is a basic human condition that affects a significant proportion of the world's population, yet many disability- and accessibility-relevant issues remain pressing and insufficiently addressed. With three experiments, the current research investigates potential reasons for why marketplace disability accessibility has not been universally accepted. Potential barriers to greater accessibility in marketplaces may arise because such efforts appear at odds with other salient priorities, at micro (i.e. consumer) and macro (i.e. firm, policy, or societal) levels. In the proposed framework and resulting experiments, micro-level trade-offs prompt perceptions of personal cost and macro-level trade-offs prompt perceptions of firm morality. In turn, these perceptions mediate firm evaluations, showing that consumers at baseline respond negatively to accessibility. Critically, however, several practical interventions emerge from these processes. Marketers can mitigate consumers' negative responses to accessibility by employing simple framing choices such as emphasizing who benefits or noting what the purpose of the offering is. By demonstrating one way to better understand perceptions of the full spectrum of the consumer population, this research provides pathways for consumer researchers to further delve into disability-related research in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of human-computer interaction, deformable user interfaces are gaining more attention. Gestures performed by bending the deformable device are commonly investigated in the literature. These bend gestures' inherent tactile and kinaesthetic feedback and their association with spatial directions benefit both blind and low vision (BLV) and sighted users. Bend gestures are naturally associated with two descriptors of bend, which are location and direction. One potential opportunity to extend this gesture space is to investigate additional descriptors of bend gestures without introducing new locations. In this context, size and angle are the two common additional descriptors of bend gestures. In this work, we conducted two (preliminary and main) studies to investigate BLV and sighted users' performance and preference for multiple magnitude levels of size and angle of bend on a smartphone-sized deformable prototype. Finally, we discuss the results and propose user group-specific design recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social recognition of cultural landscapes has increased in recent years. Culture must be accessible to all citizens, helping them to interpret the cultural landscape in the most respectful and autonomous way possible. Nevertheless, the link between accessibility and heritage requires a sensitive perception of the environment and individuals in their different situations. Usually, however, only partial solutions are offered, whereas a global, truly sustainable, and inclusive approach should be adopted. In this sense, information design can play an essential role in the enjoyment and knowledge of heritage landscapes. The aim of this article is to present some reflections on this topic, which have led a group of teachers and students from the Laboratory of Architectural, Cultural, and Heritage Landscape of the University of Valladolid (LAB/PAP) to develop experimental design proposals for the archaeological site of Tiermes, in Soria, Spain. The method applied is based on field research, case studies, project proposals, workshops, and user testing. The resulting proposals emerge from the previous research developed by the LAB/PAP. They will focus on information design to present this extraordinary site in an inclusive way. The final discussion will decide which of these proposals will be easier and more useful to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because arthritis and limited dexterity affect at least 25% of the US adult population (1) and these issues can make packaging more difficult to open, there has been an overall increase in interest about inclusive packaging (2). Inclusive packaging is designed to ensure that the largest number of consumers possible will be able to open a package without serious difficulty. When designing for those with arthritis, testing is often done using simulation technologies that impair hand and joint movements, such as the Cambridge Simulation Gloves (CSG). However, not all packages have been evaluated for inclusive design, and as such, the goal of this study was to use CSG to evaluate several representative packages currently in the marketplace for inclusivity and to redesign the one deemed most challenging for those with impaired dexterity. The study evaluated product packages that were deemed non‐inclusive, identified common trends between these products, including the necessity for fine finger movements, existence of small gripping areas, and opening mechanisms with little clearance between the two surfaces. Of the products examined, a common aspirin package, was found to be the most difficult to open—it was nearly impossible to lift the seal while wearing the CSG and the package required the most time to open. As such, this product was selected to undergo redesign, and this redesign focused on the tamper evident induction seal. The redesign process involved prototyping an included finger loop and then testing the prototypes using the CSG. This led to a final design consisting of a loop attached to the induction seal, which was then tested with the CSG to evaluate its effectiveness. This study shows the utility of incorporating the CSG into the preliminary design process as opposed to only at the final test of the product. Furthermore, the findings of the study strongly suggest that in designing inclusive packaging for those with limited dexterity, decreasing the required fine finger and joint movements and increasing the gripping areas, especially those involved in the opening mechanism of the package, are the most useful changes to make. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social recognition of cultural landscapes has increased in recent years. Culture must be accessible to all citizens, helping them to interpret the cultural landscape in the most respectful and autonomous way possible. Nevertheless, the link between accessibility and heritage requires a sensitive perception of the environment and individuals in their different situations. Usually, however, only partial solutions are offered, whereas a global, truly sustainable, and inclusive approach should be adopted. In this sense, information design can play an essential role in the enjoyment and knowledge of heritage landscapes. The aim of this article is to present some reflections on this topic, which have led a group of teachers and students from the Laboratory of Architectural, Cultural, and Heritage Landscape of the University of Valladolid (LAB/PAP) to develop experimental design proposals for the archaeological site of Tiermes, in Soria, Spain. The method applied is based on field research, case studies, project proposals, workshops, and user testing. The resulting proposals emerge from the previous research developed by the LAB/PAP. They will focus on information design to present this extraordinary site in an inclusive way. The final discussion will decide which of these proposals will be easier and more useful to implement.

Developing empathy skills is crucial for software developers to create user-centric solutions and design exceptional user experiences addressing the diverse needs of customers. This paper presents the findings of a quasi-experimental study that aimed to enhance empathy among computer science students through the exposure of two interventions utilizing teaching accessibility design. The study included 15 participants from a computer science course. Qualitative data analysis of participants' reflections highlighted the transformative impact of the interventions, as participants expressed changes in their views towards people with impairments and reported the development of technical and soft skills, as well as enhanced empathy. The interventions also motivated participants to make changes to their team website designs, prioritize accessibility, and apply their learnings in their professional lives. A second measure assessed in this study was an expert website review which provided valuable feedback for improvement and yielded a high average score for screen reader accessibility. By equipping future computer scientists with these skills, we can ensure that technology meets the diverse needs of all users, promoting inclusivity and enhancing user experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As governments embark on providing their services online (e‐Government services), it is imperative for them to ensure that these services remain accessible to all online users. Prior studies have demonstrated that providing accessible online services remains a challenge for most governments, and more so for developing countries. This study seeks to identify and better understand the factors influencing the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services. The study employed qualitative semi‐structured interviews in order to collect primary data from twelve government employees working as developers, designers, business analysts, and the management team. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study identifies two key factors influencing the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services, namely: organizational structures and stakeholder supporting structures. Furthermore, the findings explain how these factors affect the current practices of designing and implementing accessible e‐Government services. Four practices in use were recognized as instrumental in the design and implementation of accessible e‐Government services. These are: (i) championing accessibility; (ii) adoption of an omni‐channel approach, as well as digital learning and awareness; (iii) development of inhouse guidelines and best practices, as well as support for developing assistive technologies; (iv) and lastly, reflective practices. The study discusses the implications of these findings for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusive Design has been widely promoted in the fields of product, engineering, and user experience design. Despite the educational efforts made by scientists, practitioners, and institutions to raise awareness about accessibility and inclusion, Inclusive Design has not been widely embraced in architectural design practice, where it is often associated with design for disability. This multidisciplinary study, spanning behavioural science, ergonomics, and the social sciences of architecture, explores the challenges architectural design practitioners face when designing inclusively, and identifies opportunities to promote the adoption of Inclusive Design. The results of a questionnaire completed by 114 architectural design practitioners underscore the lack of client awareness of the benefits of inclusive design, highlight the important role practitioners can play in advocating for Inclusive Design, and emphasize the need to develop practices and tools that enhance the design and post-design phases of buildings to ensure inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Film Quarterly / Kwartalnik Filmowy is the property of Kwartalnik Filmowy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) hold significant potential to transform how we communicate, collaborate, and interact with others. However, there has been a lack of work to date investigating accessibility barriers in relation to immersive technologies for people with disabilities. To address current gaps in knowledge, we led two multidisciplinary sandpits with key stakeholders (including academic researchers, AR/VR industry specialists, people with lived experience of disability, assistive technologists, and representatives from national charities and special needs colleges) to collaboratively explore and identify existing challenges with AR and VR experiences. We present key themes that emerged from sandpit activities and map out the interaction barriers identified across a spectrum of impairments (including physical, cognitive, visual, and auditory disabilities). We conclude with recommendations for future work addressing the challenges highlighted to support the development of more inclusive AR and VR experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedestrian bridges are an important component of an active transportation system. As part of digital and green transformation, active travel is recognized as an essential strategy for reducing vehicle fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, but also for improving public health. Pedestrian bridges and other active travel infrastructure must be designed to be accessible to all users. Bridges that do not meet the conditions for comfortable use can force detours that discourage walking and bicycling. Adapting bridges that are not universally accessible requires challenging and expensive construction work. When accessibility issues are considered in the planning and design of new bridges, cost-effective, and often cost-neutral solutions, can be found. Some countries ensure the accessible design of pedestrian bridges through national regulations, but it is important to educate and raise awareness among all bridge designers about the importance of accessible design to achieve sustainable structures. Therefore, this paper provides an overview, comparison and commentary on the most comprehensive current standards, guidelines and manuals for pedestrian bridges that contain information on accessible design. Special attention is given to the design of stairs and ramps as critical elements of bridge accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Architectural Sciences & Applications (JASA) is the property of Journal of Architectural Sciences & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Social media apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram and Viber are primary communication channels for most people today. Even within these Mainstream Social Media Applications, persons who are deaf are not provided with the rights and means to interact using sign language. This work, an outcome of the research project' "Accessible System and Social Media Mobile Application for Deaf Users (ASM4Deaf)", supports the inclusion of deaf end-users in social media applications. This was achieved via: 1) design and development of the ASM4Deaf system, which includes the Connect Deaf mobile application, enabling use of Sign Language Alphabet keyboards in social media apps in 17 different sign languages and 2) the evaluations of Low- and High-Fidelity prototypes aimed to enhance the app's design and functionality, i.e. the ability to browse, search and edit animated videos/GIFs in the American Sign Language (ASL), using the face swapping feature. This makes the full set of features offered by social media applications accessible to deaf end-users and their personal network, which is the main contribution of this work. A Human-Centred Design methodology was employed, with the end-users at the heart of the process, to design and evaluate the Lo-Fi and Hi-Fi prototypes, and based on the evaluation results to develop the ASM4Deaf system and the Connect Deaf mobile application to fully meet the requirements of the deaf end-users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public playgrounds afford children and families important opportunities for outdoor play, social participation, and inclusion. Unfortunately, many children and families experience barriers to accessing, using, and being included in public playgrounds. Consequently, Universal Design (UD) is promoted for providing conceptual guidance for designing for inclusion in public playgrounds. However, a lack of research evidence means researchers have engaged in the ongoing interpretation of the UD concept and related non-discriminatory planning and design concepts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine how UD, and related concepts, are used in peer-reviewed articles concerning public playgrounds. A scoping review was conducted in November 2019, which identified 15 peer-reviewed articles that met the inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed that the terms UD, inclusive design, accessibility, and usability are all being used to describe non-discriminatory planning and design concepts arbitrarily and without regard for higher or lower order concepts. Two broad interpretations were evident: (a) UD is synonymous with accessibility for some, and (b) UD is a higher-order concept that goes beyond accessibility for others. Nevertheless, findings highlight the utility of UD in underpinning the design of public playgrounds in many developed countries; however, the concept requires further clarity and specificity as it pertains to playground design and more pertinently inclusion in outdoor play. We argue for further conceptual refinement to consolidate the importance and future application of UD for Play (UDP) in the design of public playgrounds that promote outdoor play, social participation, and inclusion. Most peer-reviewed journal articles reviewed fail to define what is meant by the term Universal Design. Of those that do provide a definition, the outcome of inclusion in play, or the application of Universal Design to enable play in public playgrounds was unclear. Research to date has mostly focused on related concepts, including accessibility and usability, with less emphasis on Universal Design. Recommend a tailored perspective of Universal Design for Play (UDP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Augmented and virtual reality experiences present significant barriers for disabled people, making it challenging to fully engage with immersive platforms. Whilst researchers have started to explore potential solutions addressing these accessibility issues, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of research areas requiring further investigation to support the development of inclusive AR/VR systems. To address current gaps in knowledge, we led a series of multidisciplinary sandpits with relevant stakeholders (i.e., academic researchers, industry specialists, people with lived experience of disability, assistive technologists, and representatives from disability organisations, charities, and special needs educational institutions) to collaboratively explore research challenges, opportunities, and solutions. Based on insights shared by participants, we present a research agenda identifying key areas where further work is required in relation to specific forms of disability (i.e., across the spectrum of physical, visual, cognitive, and hearing impairments), including wider considerations associated with the development of more accessible immersive platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Builder (1896-0642) is the property of PWB MEDIA Zdzieblowski sp.j. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cities, Communities & Territories / Cidades, Comunidades e Territórios is the property of Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, DINAMIA-CET and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cities, Communities & Territories / Cidades, Comunidades e Territórios is the property of Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, DINAMIA-CET and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Obtaining and submitting documentation related to disabilities to instructors is a known barrier to students accessing necessary accommodations. We assessed whether the implementation of a universal course design procedure, an automatic re-weight for students who missed a midterm exam without requiring documentation, was associated with differences in midterm examination attendance relative to a previous course offering when documentation was required for such an absence. In 2018, a large (n = 1897) first-year course introduced a fall midterm examination that required documentation for assessment reweights resulting from a missed exam, and in 2019 (n = 1795) assessments were automatically (i.e., no documentation required) re-weighted for students who missed the exam. We expected that the midterm attendance rate for the 2019 (no documentation required) exam would be significantly lower than the 2018 fall midterm exam attendance rate. However, our results revealed that removing the requirement for documentation was not associated with an increase in exam absences. These findings indicate that flexible practices can be effective in promoting accessibility while not significantly affecting student engagement and completion of summative assessments. However, we did not assess for any differences in learning because of this missed testing practice, and there are limitations such that these findings may not generalize to other student populations. We call for further discussion and research with respect to the learning-related consequences of re-weighting assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Planlama is the property of TMMOB Sehir Plancilari Odasi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Norwegian mapping authority has developed a standard method and an easy and flexible tool for mapping accessibility mostly for people with limited or no walking abilities in urban and recreational areas. We choose an object-orientated approach where points, lines and polygons represent objects in the environment. All data are stored in a geospatial database and are presented as web map and can be downloaded and analysed using GIS software. By the end of 2021, more than 250 out of 356 municipalities are mapped using that method. The aim of this project is to establish a national standard for mapping of accessibility and to provide a geodatabase that shows the status of accessibility throughout Norway. The data provide a useful tool for national statistics, local planning authorities and private users. The results show that accessibility is still low and Norway and faces many challenges to meet the goals for Universal Design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]