Accessibility analysis for the visually impaired using LazarilloApp

Accessibility analysis for using LazarilloApp

Abstract

Visual impairment causes limitations, including mobility. Studies show that there are about 1.3 billion people in the world with some type of visual impairment. Another important factor refers to the need to include these visually impaired people in schools and universities, for autonomy, learning and personal development. Public policies seek to implement measures that ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities, in order to ensure the use of environments in an equal manner. However, these measures are not implemented due to several factors, such as the lack of knowledge of professionals and the lack of financial and technological resources. This research project aimed to evaluate the use of LazarilloApp, a georeferencing application that helps the mobility of people with visual impairment. The tests were conducted at a university in Brazil. Although it has many features and potential, the application was partially effective and efficient, since in only one of the four routes drawn by it the user arrived at the destination. The accessibility problems identified reinforce the need to enable access through structural changes in physical spaces. The results indicate the need to foster the improvement of the functionalities of LazarilloApp and other mobile applications of free access, for the disabled.