The design and construction of the built environment impacts how people with impairments navigate the world. While digital products don't influence how physical spaces are built, they can provide useful information to support disabled people. For example, knowing whether a destination has a ramp and elevator at the entrance helps wheelchair users make informed travel decisions.
This lecture note covers three topics. First, we'll identify barriers in the built environment that affect accessibility. Second, we'll discuss what information people with disabilities need in advance. Finally, we'll explore emerging computational tools that support people with disabilities.
The built environment presents various features that can either create barriers or enable access for people with disabilities. Many countries have established guidelines to address these concerns. For example, Singapore's Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment provides standards for inclusive design. Typically, such guidelines mention key architectural features that impact accessibility, including:
Beyond these physical features, the visibility and predictability of accessible routes also impact accessibility. The availability of accessibility services, such as accessible transportation connecting two points of interest, further affects whether facilities are truly accessible.
While physical modifications to existing buildings can be costly and time-consuming, providing comprehensive accessibility information in advance offers an immediate and practical way to increase accessibility. When people with disabilities can access detailed information about a building's features before visiting, they can make informed decisions about whether a space meets their needs, plan appropriate routes, and arrange necessary accommodations. This advance knowledge transforms potentially challenging situations into manageable ones, eliminating uncertainty and enabling proper preparation.
The information needed varies based on individual disabilities and needs. Wheelchair users need details about step-free routes, elevator locations, doorway widths, and accessible restrooms. People with visual impairments benefit from spatial layout descriptions, tactile guidance systems, and lighting conditions. Those with hearing impairments need information about induction loops, visual alert systems, and quiet conversation spaces. Beyond these physical features, practical details like service animal relief areas, accessible parking, transportation options, and emergency evacuation procedures ensure that people with disabilities can visit places comfortably and safely.
Digital platforms have become essential tools for sharing accessibility information effectively. Static websites can provide detailed information that addresses common concerns. Location-based services like Google Maps increasingly include accessibility features to communicate how accessible buildings and spaces are.
In recent years, an increasing number of computational tools have emerged to support people with disabilities in navigating the built environment. This development stems from advances in AI technologies, including crowdsourcing platforms and computer vision systems that can analyze and interpret visual information in real-time.
Applications like Seeing AI and Be My Eyes (including its AI-powered Be My AI feature) provide crucial visual support for people with visual impairments. These tools offer capabilities such as text recognition for reading signs and documents, object recognition to identify items in the environment, scene description to understand spatial contexts, and currency and product identification for independent shopping and financial transactions.
However, these technologies could face usability challenges. Latency can affect real-time decision-making, accuracy varies depending on environmental conditions and image quality, and questions remain about appropriate levels of user control versus automation. Privacy concerns also arise when these systems capture and process visual information from public and private spaces, requiring careful consideration of data handling and consent practices.