[BlindMath] FW: Paid Research Study Opportunities with Northeastern University

[Susan Osterhaus]

Hi Everyone,



I thought some of you might be interested in participating in one or both
of these research studies. However, they need you physically present at the
Carroll Center, so keep that in mind.



Susan



*From:* The Carroll Center for the Blind <development at carroll.org>



[image: The Carroll Center for the Blind Logo]

Dear Carroll Center for the Blind Community,

Researchers from Northeastern University are conducting two* in-person
*research
studies at The Carroll Center for the Blind* from Sunday, February 22
through Wednesday, February 25*. They are seeking individuals who are blind
or have low vision to participate. Participants may sign up for one or both
studies and will receive $50 for each study completed. Additional details
are provided below. If you are interested, please complete the sign-up sheet
<https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/D8C3EF4D-5471-466E-90AB-517F94C5E1D4/r/D8C3EF4D-5471-466E-90AB-517F94C5E1D4_5804f4ed-e6f1-44ab-97ac-0e7e81788ce9/l/3388BD1B-F8F9-474D-AADA-FF26492B150C/c>
.
------------------------------

*Study 1: Evaluation of a Mobile App for Accessing Math Documents*

This study investigates usability of a mobile app aimed at making STEM
documents accessible. The study is conducted by researchers at Northeastern
University in collaboration with UNAR Labs, an innovative assistive
technology startup based in Maine. This team has been working on an app
aimed at bolstering the accessibility of STEM materials for users who are
blind. The app employs speech, tone, and haptic feedback as a conduit to
relay complex math expressions and graphical content.

*Eligibility Criteria:* To qualify for this study, you must be between 18
and 60 years of age, legally blind, and have a minimum of two years of
experience with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader for either iOS or iPad OS.

*Participants will take part in a 60–90 minute in-person session.* You will
explore an IOS mobile app using voiceover and share feedback about your
experience using it to access math documents.
------------------------------

*Study 2: Evaluation of a Voice Assistant for Data Tasks*

This study investigates how blind and low-vision individuals interact with
data using a conversational, voice-based system. The study is conducted by
researchers at Northeastern University in collaboration with Colby College
and the University of Maine.

*Eligibility Criteria: *To participate in this research project, you must
be 18 years of age or older and have experience working with data (for
example: spreadsheets, reports, tables, or datasets) for at least 2 years
and are comfortable interacting with a computer using assistive
technologies such as a screen reader.

*Participants will take part in a 60–90 minute in-person session where you
will:*

   - Use a voice-based data interaction system (Auxel) to work with example
   datasets
   - Complete a series of goal-based tasks, such as:


   - Understanding and exploring an unfamiliar dataset
      - Comparing values and identifying trends
      - Making changes to how data is structured (e.g., filtering, sorting,
      renaming)


   - Freely choose how you phrase requests and questions—no prompts will be
   provided
   - Share feedback about your experience, including what felt clear,
   confusing, helpful, or frustrating

The session will include breaks and time for discussion. No prior
experience with Auxel is required.
------------------------------

*Data and Confidentiality:*

   - The study session may be audio recorded with your permission for
   research analysis purposes
   - All data will be handled in accordance with IRB-approved research
   protocols
   - Your participation and responses will be kept confidential

*Compensation:*
Participants will receive $50 for each study completed.

If you are interested in participating in one or both studies, please
complete the sign-up sheet
<https://eml-pusa01.app.blackbaud.net/intv2/j/D8C3EF4D-5471-466E-90AB-517F94C5E1D4/r/D8C3EF4D-5471-466E-90AB-517F94C5E1D4_5804f4ed-e6f1-44ab-97ac-0e7e81788ce9/l/2B323F8C-0EF2-40BB-9356-2329C1DBF45B/c>.
If you have questions about participating, please contact Hari Palani at
ha.palani at north​eastern.edu <ha.palani at northeastern.edu>.

Sincerely,
The Carroll Center for the Blind