Abstract
In this paper an accessible Web application that uses icons instead of text to performed YouTube video search, called SAMi, is presented. With this iconic interaction Web application (SAMi), we aimed to develop universal access on the Web, by presenting an alternative way of Web search (without using text); to be a starting point for the definition of an accessible interaction metaphor, based on universal design iconography for digital environments; and ultimately, to contribute to the democratization of access to the Web for all users, regardless of the degree of literacy. The main results obtained with the user test evaluation were: first-rate performance, higher satisfaction and total autonomy in their interaction with SAMi.

Abstract

Abstract
In this study an application to assist people with speech impairments in their speech therapy sessions is presented. AppVox simulates a vocalizer (audio stimulus feature) that can be used to train speech by repeating different words. In this paper, we aim at presenting the application as an assistive technology option and assess if this is a usable option for digital interaction for children with speech impairment. To assess the application we present a case study in which the participants were asked to perform tasks using the AppVox application. The results showed that this group of participants attained a good performance when interacting with the application.

Abstract
Telerehabilitation is an alternative way for physical therapy of stroke patients. The monitoring and correction of exercises can be done through the analysis of body movements recorded by an optical motion capture system. This paper presents a first study to assess the use of Microsoft Kinect in the monitoring and rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke. A comparative study was carried out to assess the accuracy of joint angle measurement with the Microsoft Kinect (for Windows and for Xbox One) and Optitrack (TM). The results obtained in the first experiment showed a good agreement in the measurements between the three systems, in almost all movements. These results suggest that Microsoft Kinect, a low cost and markerless motion capture system, can be considered as an alternative to complex and high cost motion capture devices for the monitoring and rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Abstract
The visual impaired are a specific minority group that can benefit from specific assistive systems in order to mitigate their mobility and accessibility constrains. In the last decade, our research group has been integrating and developing assistive technologies, focused in human-computer interaction, artificial vision, assisted navigation, pervasive computing, among others. Several projects and prototypes have been developed with the main objective of improving the blind's autonomy, mobility, and quality of life. Currently the technology has reached a maturation point that allows the development of systems based on video capturing, image recognition and location referencing, which are key for providing features of artificial vision, assisted navigation and spatial perception. The miniaturization of electronics can be used to create devices such as electronic canes that equipped with sensors can provide so much more contextual information to a blind user. The adoption of these systems is dependent of an information catalogue regarding points of interest and their physical location reference. In this paper we describe the current work on assistive systems for the blind and propose a new perspective on using the base information of those systems to provide new services to the general public. By bridging the gap between the two groups, we expect to further advance the development of the current systems and contribute to their economic sustainability.

Abstract
Digital systems and solutions providing location based services for everyday activities are supported by geographic information systems that are typically problem-oriented. Although recently some approaches try to combine data from multiple sources to provide a better user experience, most often than not, these extra sources of input are not meaningful and act merely as an extension or augmentation of the user’s physical context, providing extra data that not always adds extra value to the service. In this work, a geographic information system that provides valuable data for multiple audiences, with different restrictions and requirements, is presented. This work also presents the concept of ‘awareness’, implemented using a hierarchical layering system. Using lists of information layers, together with an appropriate categorization of user requirements, the proposed information system can feed different final applications with different data, for different types of users, promoting accessibility and universal access. © Springer International Publishing AG 2017.