2003 annual report for the RNIB's Scientific Research Unit

Annual Report 2003

1. Aims of the Unit

To influence and encourage external research and development of future benefit to blind and partially sighted persons.

To influence the design of equipment and systems for the general public such that they are accessible to blind and partially sighted persons.

To influence the development of relevant standards.

2. Staff

Current staffing of the Unit is:

John Gill Chief Scientist

Sylvie Perera Human Factors Scientist

Linda Newson Research and Information Officer

3. Fonts

A new font was specifically developed for use in labeling the tops of keys on ATMs, chip and PIN terminals, telephones, ticket selling machines, door entry systems, computers, office equipment, domestic appliances, TV remote controls and audio equipment.

4. Information and Communication Technologies

The Unit is involved in projects on the design of non-visual user interfaces and accessibility of transport systems; both projects are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The Unit has been actively involved in COST 219ter (Accessibility for All to Services and Terminals for Next Generation Networks) and PhoneAbility.

5. Stimulation of Research

The Unit has maintained its web site including data on ongoing research and devices already developed, and has added new sections on guidelines for the accessibility of information and communication technology systems.

6. Publications and Reports

Gill J M, Perry P & Bird R User Requirements for Cardholder Identification, Authentication and Digital Signatures. European Commission, 20 pp. Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/user_requirementsv2-2.htm

Gill J M Extension of Coding of User Requirements. February 2003.
Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/coding.htm

Sandhu J, Gill J M & Martinex-Normand L Guidelines to Standardisers of ICT Products and Services in the CEN ICT Domain. CEN, February 2003. Also at www.tiresias.org/guidelines/cenisss

Gill J M Guidelines for Accessibility of Public Access Terminals. Proceedings of Accessibility for All Conference, ETSI, Nice, France, March 2003, 5 pp.
Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/guidelines_pat.htm

Gill J M & Perera S Accessible Universal Design of Interactive Digital Television. Proceedings of Interactive Television Conference, Brighton, March 2003.
Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/brighton.htm

Perera S Interactive Digital Televison Services for People with Low Vision. June 2003. www.tiresias.org/itv/intro.htm

Gill J M Developments in Transport Information Systems Which May Affect Visually Impaired Users. June 2003. www.tiresias.org/reports/dev_transport_information_systems.htm

Gill J M & Perera S The Tiresias Family of Fonts. Proceedings of Libraries for the Blind Conference, Marburg, July 2003, to be published. Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/marburg.htm

Hersh M A, Johnson M A, Andersson C, Campbell D, Farquharson A, Furner S, Gill J, Jackson A, Lucker J, Nolde K, Werner E & Whybray M Assistive Technology for the Hearing-impaired, Deaf and Deafblind. Springer-Verlag, ISBN 1 85233 382 0, 2003.

Gill J M & Perera S The Accessibility of Interactive Digital Television. In Craddock G M, McCormack L P, Reilly R B & Knops H T P Assistive Technology - Shaping the Future. IOS Press, ISBN 1383 813X, 2003, pp 500-504.

Gill J M The Development of Information and Communication Technology Systems to Include People with a Visual Impairment. Visual Impairment Research, Vol 4, No 3, December 2002, pp 133-141. Also at www.tiresias.org/reports/vir.htm

Gill J M Technological Developments for Blind People. British Journal of Healthcare Computing and Information Management, Vol 20, No 9, November 2003, pp 24-26.