![]() ![]() This is an iterative process which ultimate goal is to develop usable systems, achieved through involvement of potential users of a system in the design process (12). The card reader will read one card from a regular deck of cards and translates this card into an audio signal to aid the player during the card game.Ī user centered design methodology was followed for this project. This project aims to design and develop a solution in the form of a universal card reader that can be used by a visually impaired player. ![]() According to the Online Gambling newspaper (10), there are around 954 Casinos in the US, of which Nevada has around 314 casinos according to the World Casino Directory (11). Therefore, 90% of the people who are blind do not have access to card games because the only accessible solution that is commercially available is Braille cards. The National Foundation for the Blind (9) states that merely 10% of people who are legally blind can read Braille. However these devices do not recognize images or colors and are therefore not useful to provide users with reliable card information when playing card games because it only tells the card letter or number but not the suit of the cards (hearts, clubs, diamonds). These devices allow the user to scan or take a picture of written information and convert it into audio playback or magnify the information. Timanus (8) also suggests using Braille cards.Ĭharacter recognition devices are available on the market for people who are visually impaired. On the other hand, the American Foundation for the Blind (7), suggests using cards with Braille, large print cards or the use of card holders so that sighted players cannot see the visually impaired player’s cards, in order to make card and board games accessible to this population. Lieberman et al (6) described that for people with a hearing and visual impairment, card and board games are not popular recreational activities because of a lack of sensory feedback for the player. Grammenos et al (5) developed a computer-based game with auditory input, which is accessible to people with different types of abilities, including those with visual impairments. It can be used without the help of a sighted person and uses tactile and sound feedback during the game so the child is aware of what is happening in the game. For instance, Puret et al (4), developed a multimedia game for children with visual impairments. Most common in current literature are solutions that are based on computer software applications. ĭifferent approaches and solutions have been proposed to make games accessible for people with visual impairments. Therefore, the more life is filled with activities that are interesting to a person, the higher their quality of life. Furthermore, leisure plays an important role in confidence, psychological and physical health, and contributes to positive social interaction (2). Specifically, for persons with an acquired disability, recreation can represent a return to a valued form of daily life activity (1). The human need for recreation is very important in the life of a person with a disability, whether it is a physical, sensory, or cognitive impairment that affects the ability to function in everyday activities and environments (1). Suggestions for improvement included that the appearance and time it takes to insert the card needs to be improved. User feedback indicates that the device is useful and meets the needs of a visual impaired player. The first prototype was tested with 5 game players of which one was blind-folded. The device was designed following a user-centered design methodology a first prototype was build to evaluate the feasibility of the concept. It is a hand-held device where the user inserts a card and receives immediate auditory feedback about the card through a set of earphones. This paper describes the design, prototype development and evaluation of a device that is aimed to make card games more accessible for people with visual impairments. By David McNaughton on in 2010, Tech for Cognitive & Sensory Impairments ![]()
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