A Novel Approach to Digital Media Accessibility for Visually Impaired People
Team SPECTRA: CEO Megan Ashun, CMO Edward Goodwin, CIO Jared Rosen, CTO Rishab Nair
Advisor: Kevin Crowthers, Ph.D.
Background
Digital inaccessibility is a significant issue that many visually impaired people face. In the United States, 8% of the population is comprised of visually impaired people (VIP). However, only 4% of websites are accessible to these individuals. Website accessibility includes compatibility with screen readers, alternative text for images, and video transcripts. For most able-bodied citizens, accessibility accommodations are overlooked due to the lack of necessity. Yet, for visually impaired individuals, inadequate digital accessibility makes accessing media, including digital literature, difficult.
Problem Statement
Visually impaired individuals lack adequate access to digital literature. Current assistive devices tend to be too complicated, too expensive, or may not be appropriate in certain settings.
Objective
SPECTRA aimed to mitigate these issues by creating an instantaneous and inexpensive device that could convert online text to a physical Braille display.
Final Design
Movable Braille Slider Prototype
Featuring six rod-like modules within a box-like container, this design allows vertical but not horizontal movement. When a rod protrudes through one of the surface holes, it creates a braille bump; when lowered, it leaves a vacant space. Inside, two gear-connected rectangular boxes slide horizontally, enabling the rods to move up and down along matching tracks.
About SPECTRA
SPECTRA was founded for the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science’s Assistive Technology Project, under advisor Dr. Kevin Crowthers. The team set out to devise a solution to convert the vast online world to a more accessible, inviting world for the visually impaired.
Poster
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