Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by Tânia Vilela Rocha

2018

DIGA OLA: An Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Mobile Application for People with Language and Speech Impairments

Authors
Rocha, T; Silva, P; Barreira, M; Barroso, J;

Publication
COMPUTERS HELPING PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, PT I

Abstract
In this paper an augmentative and alternative communication mobile application for people with language and speech impairments, called Diga Ola, is presented. With this mobile application, we aimed to assist people with speech and language impairment in their communication process, by presenting an alternative mobile solution in Portuguese language. The main results achieved on a preliminary user assessment were: first-rate performance, higher satisfaction and total autonomy in their interaction with the solution presented.

2018

A Proposal for a Remote Interactive Class System with Sign Language Interpretation

Authors
Martins, M; Borges, J; Justino, E; Rocha, T; Barroso, J; Reis, A;

Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION: VIRTUAL, AUGMENTED, AND INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract
Portugal, as part of the European Union, has general legislation regarding accessibility and inclusion for general purposes, particularly for education. There are several international and national initiatives, including some projects. However, disabled and non-disabled people still do not share equal opportunities. In this project a proposal for a remote class system is presented, which includes sign language interpretation, targeted at those students who cannot be physically present in the classroom and/or need sign language interpretation. The system is based on audio and video communication between the classroom, the student and an interpreter, so that the student can access and understand the content of the class in real-time, as well as be able to interact with the professor and classmates. A prototype is being developed in conjunction with the Portugal Telecom Foundation, which should be a step forward to a new full-featured service targeted at educational institutions and disabled students. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018.

2018

Evaluation of e-commerce websites accessibility and usability: an e-commerce platform analysis with the inclusion of blind users

Authors
Goncalves, R; Rocha, T; Martins, J; Branco, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M;

Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

Abstract
Considering the importance associated with e-commerce website accessibility and usability, a study on one of the most relevant Portuguese e-commerce websites has been performed using both automatic and manual assessment procedures. In an initial stage, we evaluated the chosen website with a Web accessibility and usability automatic tool called SortSite; after that, we performed a manual evaluation to verify each previously detected error and present possible solutions to overcome those faults. In a third phase, three usability specialists have been used to perform a heuristic evaluation of the chosen website. Finally, user tests with blind people were carried out in order to fully assess the compliance with accessibility and usability guidelines and standards. The results showed that the platform had a good score regarding the automatic evaluation; however, when the heuristic and manual evaluations were performed, some accessibility and usability problems were discovered. Moreover, the user test results showed bad marks regarding efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction by the group of participants. As a conclusion, we highlight user interaction problems and propose seven recommendations focused on enhancing accessibility and usability of not only the evaluated e-commerce website, but also of other similar ones.

2019

The AppVox mobile application, a tool for speech and language training sessions

Authors
Rocha, T; Goncalves, C; Fernandes, H; Reis, A; Barroso, J;

Publication
EXPERT SYSTEMS

Abstract
AppVox is a mobile application that provides support for children with speech and language impairments in their speech therapy sessions, while also allowing autonomous training at home. The application simulates a vocalizer with an audio stimulus feature, which can be used to train and amend the pronunciation of specific words through repetition. In this paper, we aim to present the development of the application as an assistive technology option, by adding new features to the vocalizer as well as assessing it as a usable option for daily training interaction for children with speech and language impairments. In this regard, we invited 15 children with speech and language impairments and 20 with no impairments to perform training activities with the application. Likewise, we asked three speech therapists and three usability experts to interact, assess, and give their feedback. In this assessment, we include the following parameters: successful conclusion of the training tasks (effectiveness); number of errors made, as well as number and type of difficulties found (efficiency); and the acceptance and level of comfort in completing the requested tasks (satisfaction). Overall, the results showed that children conclude the training tasks successfully and helped to improve their language and speech capabilities. Therapists and children gave positive feedback to the AppVox interface.

2018

Sculpture maps and assistive navigation as a way to promote universal access

Authors
Fernandes, H; Rocha, T; Reis, A; Paredes, H; Barroso, J;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENHANCING ACCESSIBILITY AND FIGHTING INFO-EXCLUSION (DSAI 2018)

Abstract
Assistive systems which incorporate different technologies to provide simple and quick, yet informative, content, have recently been proposed to alleviate the mobility and accessibility constrains of users with visual impairment. Currently, technology has reached a maturation point that allows the development of systems based on video capturing, image recognition and geo-location referencing, which are key for providing features of artificial vision, assisted navigation and spatial perception. The miniaturization of electronics can be used to create devices, such as electronic canes equipped with sensors, that can provide contextual information to a blind user. In this paper, we describe the current work on assistive systems for the blind and propose a new perspective on using the base information of those systems to provide new services to the general public. By bridging the gap between the two groups, we expect to further advance the development of the current systems and contribute to their economic sustainability.

2019

Interactive audio novel: A Story and Usability preliminary study

Authors
Rocha, T; Reis, A; Paredes, H; Barroso, J;

Publication
2019 14TH IBERIAN CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES (CISTI)

Abstract
In this article we present a game interface, using audio input and output, aiming to provide the concept of interactive narrative to users with visual or motor disability. The solution lets users choose the direction of the story, triggering several alternate endings and thus creating a dynamic and creative narrative. The application development process is described here from the design, implementation and evaluation. In the evaluation phase, we performed user tests with five participants with visual and motor disability. Thus, we record three metrics: effectiveness, success of the task (reaching one of the possible endings); efficiency, time needed to complete the story; and satisfaction, comfort and wellbeing of the user during the interaction. The result was positive, all participants successfully completed the application, and there were no withdrawals. Four in five wanted to repeat the experience and try to reach another end of the story.

  • 5
  • 8