User Interfaces for Persons with Deafblindness

This paper examines the problems persons with deafblindness encounter when using computers, and what can be done to avoid the problems in the design of a communication tool. A qualitative study was conducted with 12 participants. The results show that a system needs to resolve issues of simplicity, flexibility, and feedback. In our redesign of the communication tool we employ what we call a screen reader use flow with precursor cues, to aid the user in getting an overview of the program and its functions. This is very difficult when using a Braille display. The screen reader use flow with precursor cues is one means to satisfy the demands of both users who use a visual display and users who use a Braille display.