Digital Aided Descriptions (DAD): Encouraging Learning Among Children with Visual Disabilities Through Creativity and Dialogue

The goal of this project is to provide children with visual disabilities accessible technology that will enhance their community living and participation in an educational setting. The main objective is to give these children access to visual images through added description, while improving their literacy skills through a collaborative process with their peers without visual disabilities. The customizable and user-friendly Digital Aided Descriptions (DAD) web platform is aimed toward children grades K to 6. Phase I of this project includes the development of a prototype, and an evaluation of feasibility and usability conducted in cooperation with Educational Vision Services, NYC Department of Education. Test results provide the foundation for Phase II where DAD is refined and finalized. Anticipated outcomes include progress in vocabulary and reading comprehension for both children with vision impairments and their classmates, enhanced socialization and engagement of children in a cooperative learning environment, and increased access to images used in education. Potential customers include Local Education Agencies, school districts, assistive technology providers, and federal and state technology assistance centers. The bilingual (English-Spanish) capabilities of DAD provide opportunities for distribution around the world.