Smart Assistant Accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users
Given the rise in popularity of smart assistants and smart home voice-controlled devices, more diverse user groups are adopting such technologies for everyday purposes. Previous work has highlighted the promise these devices can offer for users with low vision or mobility concerns to increase their independence in everyday tasks. However, the opportunities and challenges faced by deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) users have yet to be addressed, despite evidence that shows a growing interest in these technologies, especially in older adult populations and hearing aid users. Our aim is to develop design recommendations to better address the challenges faced by DHH users, without compromising the "embedded-in-life" experience users seek from voice interaction SAs. Additionally, we are interested in exploring additional applications for SAs within this context, such as speech therapy, that may benefit other users and further justify the need for increased accessibility in SA devices.
Initial interview findings featured as a poster and companion paper at CSCW 2019
Full Paper published at IMWUT
Featured segment on Top of Mind with Julie Rose for BYUradio podcast.
Invited to speak about this work at the 2021 Canadian Hard of Hearing Conference.
Initial interview findings featured as a poster and companion paper at CSCW 2019
Full Paper published at IMWUT
- Blair, J., & Abdullah, S. (2020). "It Didn't Sound Good with My Cochlear Implants": Understanding the Challenges of Using Smart Assistants for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies, 4(4), 1-27.
- Watch the conference presentation of this work from UbiComp 2021.
Featured segment on Top of Mind with Julie Rose for BYUradio podcast.
Invited to speak about this work at the 2021 Canadian Hard of Hearing Conference.