Assistive Technologies for Enhancing Physical Activity in Individuals with Visual Impairments

Authors: Aidan Mooney, Lauren Lieberman

SUNY Campus: SUNY Brockport

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 16

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Assistive technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual impairments and is a key factor in assisting these individuals in their participation and accessibility to physical activity. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on assistive technology and explore how these technologies such as tactile or auditory feedback systems, augmented reality, screen reading devices, and other compatible visual aid devices can help individuals with visual impairments participate in physical activity and sports. Using a systematic ancestry approach and searching within multiple databases I found publications, focusing from the past decade, to compare. I extracted data on technology types, effectiveness, and user feedback before comparing and contrasting the overlapping information as well as the conflicting data. The findings across these studies reveal several consistent overlapping themes including the emphasis on customization and the utility of tactile, auditory, and vibration-based devices for navigation in physical activity. However, there are some conflicts in terms of the complexity and cost of newer technologies versus low-tech solutions. The cost and complexities in higher technology solutions were found to limit the accessibility and utility to many populations whereas simpler solutions appear to be more universal. Gender and age biases in the design of adaptive equipment persist, with differing needs for younger and older populations.