In recent years, user interfaces have expanded from a relatively standardized set of inputs and outputs (keyboards, mice, and monitors), to a broad ecosystem of device form factors with diverse input, output, and sensing methods. This diversity of interaction methods can benefit all computer users, but may be especially helpful for individuals with disabilities.
In this talk, I will discuss our recent efforts to create more accessible computing technologies for individuals with a range of abilities, including new mobile and wearable technologies for people with vision impairments, gesture-sensitive wheelchair controls, and context-aware communication devices.
Shaun Kane is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder and is currently a Visiting Researcher at Microsoft Research. Shaun has been awarded a Google Lime Scholarship, a UMBC Academic Innovation Fellowship, and an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship. Shaun’s work explores ways to make computing devices easier to use for people with disabilities, and explores a range of accessibility issues including touch screen and gesture interaction for people with vision impairments, touch interfaces for power wheelchair users, context-aware augmentative and alternative communication devices, and wearable assistive technology.