Italiano (Italia)
Framework
This project is being carried out in conjunction with Istituto David Chiossone, an institute for the blind and sight impaired based in Genoa. It has received funding from Fondazione Vodafone Italia.
Objectives
SHAREHAB is a socially-oriented platform that catalogues apps which can be profitably used with and by sight-impaired children for various purposes, including rehabilitation, education and entertainment. The titles listed cover a range different categories, including games, e-books and interactive stories. Many of these were originally designed for general use, i.e. without specific consideration for the needs of sight-impaired users.
The SHAREHAB platform blends systematic, structured accessibility assessments from recognized experts with vital know-how and practical insights from end users regarding the effective usability of apps. Products are evaluated and rated according to different types of sight impairment, and those considered suitable for particular user groups receive a “seal of approval”.
Major Activities
- The formulation of app accessibility guidelines that draw on current research in the field;
- Design, development and implementation of the SHAREHAB platform, with input from end users and other stakeholders;
- Assessment of a core set of apps according to different types of sight impairment;
- Dissemination and outreach activities targeting various stakeholder groups - doctors and other professionals active in the sight impairment field, associations advocating for the disabled, schools, families, researchers, etc.
Expected results
SHAREHAB is expected to generate a rich body of information and know-how on apps and other digital products and resources that may prove particularly useful for sight impaired users. The characteristic that will set the SHAREHAB platform apart from other services and reference points listing digital resources for sight impairment is the added value gained from combining professional expertise and end user experience gathered though social networking features.