AccessScope Project: Accessible Light Microscope for Users With Upper Limb Mobility or Visual Impairments
By Mansoor, Awais; Ahmed, Wamiq M.; Samarapungavan, Ala; Cirillo, John; Schwarte, David; Robinson, J. Paul; Duerstock, Bradley S.; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 143-152Publication Date: March 2010
Paper describes the development of AccessScope, a web based personal computer (PC) user interface that enables students and scientists with upper limb mobility and visual impairments to remotely view slide specimens and control all functions of a research level light microscopy work station. Access Scope allows students with disabilities to perform light microscopy during a laboratory based class alongside their classmates. The PC controls the major hardware components of the AccessScope workstation and displays the microscope images of slide specimens to its computer monitor. Components include a research light microscope with motorized objective nosepiece, condenser, filter, wheel, illuminator, and Z focus drive; a digital camera mounted to the ocular portion of the microscope; and a motorized stage integrated with a bulk slide autoloader capable of mechanically loading up to 50 slides onto the stage. Ten users with upper limb mobility impairments and low vision assisted in the design process the user interface. Participants were evaluated in their ability to use AccessScope to perform microscopal tasks. AccessScope usage was compared with inspecting prescanned slide images by grading participants’ identification and understanding of histological features and knowledge of microscope operation. With AccessScope, participants were able independently to perform common light microscopy functions through an Internet browser by employing different pointing devices or accessibility software such as JAWS screen reader and ZoomText screen magnifier. Participants answered more histology and microscope usage questions correctly after first participating in an AccessScope test session. Future research for improvement of the interface is discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: JAWS FOR WINDOWS
ZOOMTEXT FOR WINDOWS
JAWS SCREENREADER
ZOOMTEXT MAGNIFIER / SCREEN READER
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
Link to text: http://dx..doi.org/10.3109/17483100903387630
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J58528
