[Nfbv-announce] New mobility technology for meetings and other social gatherings - Survey

[LPovinelli at aol.com]

Subject: New  mobility technology for meetings and other social gatherings. 

I got this from the NFB of Wisconsin  listserv.  It describes a vibrating 
vest being developed at Virginia Tech  for blind seniors.  The deadline for 
completion of the survey is this  Wednesday, March 20th.  


Social Interaction

This survey is for individuals with severe visual  impairments. 

Your level of impairment must be 20/400 or worse, and you  must be 55 years 
of age or older. If you do not fit these criteria, please do  not complete 
this survey. 

PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THIS  SURVEY.

Please submit this questionnaire by May 20th. 

We  are working to develop a system that will help people with visual 
impairments  recognize objects and people in a room and also move around a room. 
The  technology is meant to be discrete so it does not stand out too much. 
It will be  worn on a vest that can be placed on the outside or inside of 
other clothing.  

We would like to know your interests in a device like this. Imagine  
yourself at a party or other social event. Use the party/social event scenario  to 
answer the following questions.

This research is approved by the  Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board. 
For questions, please contact Dr.  Tonya Smith-Jackson at smithjack at vt.edu 
or 540-231-4119 (USA). Thank you, in  advance, for your inputs! 



What is your level of visual  impairment? Examples: 20/400, 20/600. If you 
do not know your measurements,  please skip this question and go the next 
one.


How would you rate the level of visual impairment  you have experienced?
Severe
Moderate
Low

Which of  the following is the cause of your vision loss?
Age-related macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic  Retinopathy
Cataract
Congenital (before birth)
other: 

How often do you attend  social events where there are 5 or more people?
A few times per year but less  than one time per month
1 time per month
2 to 4 times per  month
5 or more times per month

What is your  age?


What is your  gender?
Female
Male

Do you live in  a:
Rural Area?
Large Urban Area?
Suburban  Area?

Do you live in the USA? If you do not live in the USA,  please enter your 
country in the "other" blank.
Yes
No
other: Country? 

What types of social events  do you attend? CHECK ALL THAT APPLY.
Religious
Civic/Community
Family and friends
Work-related
Holiday parties
Other
other: 

If you could wear a vest that gave you information  through a small 
earpiece to help you socialize at a party, which of the  following activities would 
this device help you with the most? PLEASE CHECK ALL  THAT APPLY.
Finding your place in the room.
Finding people to talk  to.
Finding the party's host or hostess.
Remembering people's  names.
Recognizing people by their voices.
Listening to others when  you are having a conversation with them.
Finding people to mingle  with.
Shaking hands.
Understanding others by their  voices.
Getting refreshments.
Playing games.
Dancing.
Finding people to start a conversation  with.
Introducing people you know to other people.
Getting  people's attention.
Locating people.
Locating objects such as  tables and chairs.
other: Please enter any other  activities you think this device can help 
you with. 

If this same vest vibrated  your sides and back to help you navigate in a 
room, are you likely to use it?  Why or why not?


Please comment on the following aspects of assistive clothing, depending  
on how much importance you place on each aspect:

1. Functionality  (what type of assistance it gives)


2. Appearance (does it matter if it's good-looking?)


3. Usability (how easy is it to put on, take off and wear?)


4. Comfort (ex: thermal comfort, feel of fabric, etc.)


5. Psychological effect (appropriateness for situations)


Thanks for your inputs! If you are interested in our research, feel free  
to contact us (540-231-4119 USA, smithjack at vt.edu).



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