CSCI 426
Adaptive Technologies

Coordinator: Blaise Liffick

Credits: 4.0

Description

 

An overview of the principles and techniques used in adaptive technology for the disabled.  Topics in this course include the universal design principle; user-centered design; designing for diverse populations; interfacing specialized hardware devices; interaction methods such as Morse code, voice recognition and generation, scanning techniques, word expansion, and word prediction; modes of communication, such as single or multi-switch, audio and voice; alternative languages; web accessibility; and usability testing as a means of user/device evaluation and product acceptance. 

 

Prerequisites

C- or better in CSCI 362.

Sample Textbooks

Course Outcomes

Major Topics Covered

1. The User
   1. Visual Function
   2. Auditory Function
   3. Somatosensory Function
   4. Cognitive Function
   5. Motor Control
   6. Physiological Factors
      1. Range of motion
      2. Cognitive abilities
      3. Energy level
      4. Physical comfort
      5. Quality of care
2. Disabilities
   1. Physical
      1. Motor
      2. Perceptual
   2. Cognitive
   3. Cultural Issues
      1. View of "disability"
      2. Aversion to risk
      3. Psychosocial Factors
      4. Definition of "rehabilitation success"
      5. Congenital vs. acquired
3. Disabilities Legislation
   1. Architectural Barriers Act
   2. Rehabilitation Act (Sections 504 and 508)
   3. Americans with Disabilities Act
   4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
   5. Assistive Technology Act
   6. Other Countries
4. Historical Development of Assistive Technology
5. AT Use Classifications
   1. Aids to daily living and DIY devices
   2. Seating and mobility aids
   3. Transportation aids
   4. Communication Systems
   5. Vision impairment/blindness technologies
   6. Deaf and HoH technologies
6. Activity/Environment Classification
   1. Leisure and recreation
   2. Home
   3. Work
   4. Daily living
   5. Play
7. Universal & User-Centered Design
8. Basic Human-Computer Interaction Practices
   1. I/O devices
   2. I/O methods
   3. Models of interaction
   4. Human Factors
   5. Usability studies
9. Control Interfaces
   1. General characteristics
   2. Selecting control interfaces for the user
   3. Direct selection
   4. Indirect selection
   5. Integrated control systems
10. Augmentative/Alternative Communication
    1. Communication systems
    2. Multimodal communication
    3. Conversational needs
    4. Graphical output needs
    5. Control interface
    6. Selection method
    7. Selection set
    8. Selection technique
    9. Accelerating/extending vocabulary
    10. Vocabulary storage
    11. Text editing
    12. Output control
    13. Speech output
    14. General computer and Internet access
11. Visual Impairment Aids
    1. Screen magnification
    2. Text to Braille
    3. Text to speech
    4. Electronic travel aids
12. Speech Synthesis
13. Speech Recognition
14. Web Accessibility
15. Wireless AT Devices
16. AT for the Elderly
17. User evaluation and assessment
    1. AT abandonment issues
    2. Language Analysis Monitoring
    3. Evidence-based practice
    4. Usability study as evaluation tool

Sample Laboratory Projects

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