Assistive technology use in domestic activities by people who are blind

Abstract

People who are blind employ unique strategies when performing instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs), often relying on multiple sensory modalities and assistive technologies. While prior research has extensively explored adaptive strategies for outdoor activities like wayfinding and navigation, less emphasis has been placed on the information needs and problem-solving strategies for managing domestic activities. To address this gap, our study presents insights from 16 semi-structured interviews with individuals who are either legally or completely blind, highlighting both the current use and potential future applications of technologies for home-based iADLs. Our findings reveal several underexplored challenges, including the difficulty of locating misplaced objects, a structured problem-solving approach where digital tools are a last resort, and limited awareness of assistive training programs. Participants also faced persistent usability barriers as software updates disrupted accessibility features. Participants utilize a variety of low-tech and high-tech solutions, with tactile labeling systems and digital assistance apps being particularly prevalent. However, existing assistive technologies often fail to integrate seamlessly with users' preferred strategies, leading to frustration and underutilization. Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing the adoption of assistive technologies and ultimately improving the quality of life for people who are blind.

Fig. 1

Overview of trends in low- and high-tech usage for domestic iADLs from 16 interviewed participants. Panel A and B depict the self-reported frequency of various daily activities for which participants relied on assistive technology. Panels C and D show a breakdown of which low-tech or high-tech solutions were commonly used to support these activities.