Requirements for the Interconnection of Assistive Technology Devices and Information and Communication Technology Systems

John Gill

July 2001

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Scenarios

3 The Interface

4 The Questionnaire

5 Recommendations

Appendix 1 Websites

Appendix 2 Relevant Assistive Devices in ISO 9999

Appendix 3 The Wireless Interconnection Technologies

Appendix 4 The Questionnaire

Appendix 5 Responses to the Questionnaire

Appendix 6 Alternate User Interface Standard

Appendix 4

The Questionnaire

Many information and communication technology (ICT) industries are working on making their products usable by disabled and elderly users. When inclusive design does not meet all the users' needs, it will be necessary to use assistive devices. Currently there is little standardisation of the interface between assistive devices and ICT systems.

1. In your opinion, would it be useful for there to be standard interfaces between assistive devices and ICT systems?

2. What features should be covered by such a standard?

3. Should the standard protocols be independent of the transmission system (eg infra-red, Bluetooth, hard wire connection)?

4. What other aspects should be considered when preparing this standard?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Dr John Gill
Chief Scientist

Royal National Institute of the Blind
105 Judd Street
London WC1H 9NE
Tel: +44 20 7391 2244
Fax: +44 20 7391 2318
Email: john.gill@rnib.org.uk

Some possibilities for the use of wireless systems by people with disabilities are at www.tiresias.org/reports/bluetooth.htm

Appendix 5