Instructions for Use of Personal Digital Technology by People with Visual Impairment

The PEACH Research Unit, in collaboration with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), is conducting a research project on instructions for the use of personal digital technology by people with vision impairment.

This project aims to explore best practices for creating guidance and instructional materials for commonly used personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. The ultimate goal is to support digital device manufacturers in developing clear and effective instructions that meet the needs of users who are blind or have low vision. The project also focuses on identifying instructional design approaches that improve accessibility and usability for these users.

Research Outcomes:
1. Minimum requirements for relevant, searchable, clear, and usable instructional content to support personal digital technology use for blind and low vision users, such as proper language use, breakdown and flow of information, formatting, and style.

2. Selection of modes for effective content delivery that can suit the needs of people with visual impairment.

We are asking people with visual impairment (blind and low vision) about their experiences with setting up and operating personal devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. We want to learn from your lived experiences about what types of instructions work (and don’t work) for you to be able to independently use your personal devices. If you are a person living with blindness or low vision, are 18 years of age or older, and you are interested in this research, we would be extremely grateful to have your participation! Please find the link to the survey below.