User feedback on usefulness and accessibility features of mobile applications by people with visual impairment

PURPOSE: This study aimed at compiling a catalog of mobile applications with accessibility features. The results are expected to provide useful insight into its usage in daily life. METHODS: This study was conducted at the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation, Hyderabad in two steps. In step one 57 potentials mobile applications that were useful for persons with visual impairment were identified. In step two, these were explored by 15 participants and their feedback was analyzed through SPSS statistical package. RESULTS: Fifteen mobile users who are visually impaired took part in the study whose mean age was 22 years. A total of 57 mobile applications were explored and rated as per the user's feedback on its usage and accessibility features. Overall rating of general applications ranged from 2.3 to 4.55 and the rating of exclusive applications designed for visually impaired ranged from 2.8 to 4.8. Compilation of catalog of mobile assistive software and its usage through the data generated from this study provides important information to the early mobile users with visual impairment. The built-in accessibility features of the apps that were originally developed for the general population is the constructive move by the app developers towards inclusion. The same should be reinforced that henceforth all-new applications to be accessible for people with disabilities to the standard prescribed by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. CONCLUSION: Mobile technology is a real boon to persons with visual impairment in enhancing their independence. The catalog on accessible mobile applications developed through this study is a valuable tool in providing information on a wider collection of apps to new mobile users.