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Publications

Publications by Tânia Vilela Rocha

2017

Web application for the training of the correct pronunciation of words in Portuguese for people with speech and language disorders - preliminary usability study

Authors
Rocha, T; Marques, A; Brito, JP; Cardoso, L; Martins, P; Barroso, J;

Publication
2017 12TH IBERIAN CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES (CISTI)

Abstract
In this paper, a Web application that allows people with speech impairments to train and amend pronunciation of words by repeating words presented in a interface with visual and auditory stimuli, is presented. With this app, we aim at present a training assistive tool to be used by the user, in a daily situation, where the main asset is the feedback about the rate of correct pronunciation, thus allowing users to train, autonomously, at home. Additionally, we present a preliminary user study to assess usability of the proposed application. For that, we invited a group of people with speech impairments to perform training tasks with the application. In the assessment, we register the following parameters: effectiveness (successful conclusion of the training tasks and percentage of pronouncing success); efficiency (number of errors made, number and type of difficulties found); and, satisfaction (the acceptance and comfort to complete the training tasks). Overall, the preliminary results showed that participants achieved an efficiency rate of 53.4% in the accomplishment of the proposed tasks. On average, for each image, participants missed at least 2 times, where the most registered difficulty was the pronunciation of words with accents. Regarding satisfaction, we noticed that they like it as they ask not only to repeat the test but also the addition of more pictures to perform more tests with the proposed web application.

2015

Performing universal tasks on the Web: Interaction with digital content by people with intellectual disabilities

Authors
Rocha, T; Bessa, M; Magalhães, L; Cabral, L;

Publication
ACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Abstract
With this study we intent to better understand how a group with intellectual disabilities interacts with digital content, namely web content, when performing equivalent tasks from their daily school activities, such as: painting, making puzzles, playing games. To accomplish this we observed how a group with intellectual disabilities, without experience using computers, performed universal tasks (selection, manipulation and navigation) when presented with different activities on the Web such as painting, playing games or searching. We aimed at evaluating usability and accessibility and for this we registered the following variables: successful conclusion of activities, type of difficulties found, errors, satisfaction, motivation and autonomy indicators. Participants showed motivation and learning skills when performing all the three universal tasks (selection, manipulation and navigation) which is confirmed by the number of participants that was able to conclude the activities. Concerning errors, it was observed that despite the large number of errors made by the participants, their motivation lead them to complete the tasks. When handling the input devices the participants had a good performance using the computer mouse. On the other hand, they could not use the keyboard alone because of their reading/ writing difficulties. © 2015 ACM.

2018

Image-type representation: A preliminary study on preferences of users with intellectual disabilities

Authors
Rocha, T; Bessa, M; Bastardo, R; Magalhaes, L;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER STUDIES

Abstract
Previous findings have shown that users with intellectual disabilities navigate the Web more easily and with greater interest when images are used to represent hyperlinks (Rocha, 2008; 2014; Rocha et al., 2012). Although images can be better for navigation purposes, there is a need to understand how these images should be designed to enhance users' interaction with digital content for this particular group of people. The purpose of this study is to measure the user's preference for image-type representation (Object, Action and Universe), within four different categories (music, movies, sports, games). The sample consisted of 20 individuals with intellectual disabilities, their ages ranging from 22 to 49 years old. The results showed that they preferred less complex images, namely object representative images, and that categories had no effect.

2017

MyAutoIconPlat: An Automatic Platform for Icons Creation

Authors
Rocha, T; Pinheiro, P; Santos, J; Marques, A; Paredes, H; Barroso, J;

Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES AND METHODS, PT I

Abstract
This paper presents an accessible platform for the automatic creation of icons through a simple (web) form. The platform allows the creation of personalized icons that can be used as a navigation or search option in web context replacing the usual text keyword metaphor. With the development of this platform we aimed to provide a simpler automatic method of icon creation, allowing users to personalize their icons and share them with others. The icons created are stored in a database that can be used in different Web or digital contexts. As a proof of concept, the platform was integrated with an existing Web application for video searching in the YouTube platform through icons hyperlinks: SAMi [1]. The resulting integrated platform was assessed for usability (user tests) and accessibility (with an automatic assess tool). The results showed the interface is accessible to a group of people with intellectual disabilities, increasing their performance, satisfaction, motivation and autonomy. © Springer International Publishing AG 2017.

2018

An Information System to Remotely Monitor Oncological Palliative Care Patients

Authors
Reis, A; da Guia, EB; Sousa, A; Silva, A; Rocha, T; Barroso, J;

Publication
Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 2 [WorldCIST'18, Naples, Italy, March 27-29, 2018]

Abstract
For oncological patients, the introduction of palliative care in the early stages of the disease’s progression can have great benefits. The Portuguese government recently introduced a program to provide home palliative care support by creating specialized mobile teams, able to track, visit and address the patients’ problems. These teams must be available for the patient, when necessary and if necessary. The teams must also have updated knowledge about the daily evolution of the patients’ health. The Douro Sul Healthcare Centers, together with the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, developed and implemented an ICT system to track the status of each and every one of the patients. The system has several components, including: a mobile app for the patients or their caregivers to report daily how the patient’s symptoms have evolved over the last 24 h; a web app for the teams to browser their patients’ status. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018.

2018

Accessibility and Usability Assessment of a Web Platform: DADS (Doctors And Dyslexic System)

Authors
Rocha, T; Carvalho, R; Timóteo, A; Vale, M; Reis, A; Barroso, J;

Publication
Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 2 [WorldCIST'18, Naples, Italy, March 27-29, 2018]

Abstract
Online tools for dyslexic diagnosis and training are mostly: free-of-charge; children-oriented, consisting in a game-based interface proved a positive correlation between video games and dyslexia [1]; and, provide auto-evaluation questions that are automatically analyzed, given results regarding the need of seeking medical attention, since these tools are not a medical exam or diagnostic. Other platforms consist on exercises/tests for dyslexic people or with speech and language impairments, helping them in the training of the word pronunciation. Although, there is a lack of solutions that allow doctors to register the evolution of their patients. In this article, it is presented an accessibility and usability assessment of a Web platform that allows children to do exercises but also lets their doctors to keep track of their evolution through graphs and detailed statistics, allowing doctors to have information on a digital format, disproving the need for tests normally done on paper [2–4], and not having to manually register variables. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018.

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