1. Switch-Access Using a Hierarchy Pattern
Victoria Miller | Dr. Gary Bishop | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Figure 1: Example of switches used for switch-access. (Source:
Background
Switch-access is a technology that assists people with physical impediments in completing simple activities, such as reading or playing.  With only switches, users are able to traverse their options by clicking the "no" button until they land on their desired alternative and click the "yes" button. However, switch-access has not often been applied to creative activities.  After doing research, I found three websites that allowed for creativity or social interaction: SwitchZoo, Avachara, and Facebook.  The goal of my project is to make these websites switch accessible.
Abstract
It is difficult for people with motor impairments to participate in simple activities. Switch-access technology enables access to some computer applications using only “yes” or “no” buttons. By using switches, users can traverse their options by clicking the "no" button until they land on their desired alternative, then clicking "yes“ to choose it. However, switch-access has not often been applied to creative activities. People who cannot draw may not be able to use a keyboard. Thus, I made adaptations for two websites that enable users to create human characters or unique animals, using only switches. Additionally, I adapted the social media website, Facebook, to be switch accessible, allowing users to interact with their friends’ posts. These websites permit users to make and act upon conscious decisions by themselves. By using a hierarchy pattern to group similar options together, I have made navigation through the websites more efficient. The hierarchy pattern groups similar options together and permits users to choose through a first set of options, with each one branching out to new sets of options until the user reaches an option at the end of the branch. Then, I added event listeners that would listen to key presses. Depending on which position and group within the hierarchy the user is at, the event listener will either move through the hierarchy or call a function. By making these websites switch-accessible through a hierarchy pattern, physically impaired people are now able to express their ideas and connect with others on social media.
Figure 4: Creations from SwitchZoo and Avachara, respectively. (Source: SwitchZoo.com, Avachara.com
Results
Map of Choices for Switch Access Facebook
By adding event listeners to the right and left arrow keys, and using a hierarchy pattern to group similar options, I was able to successfully adapt all three websites: SwitchZoo, Avachara, and Facebook. SwitchZoo allows users to create unique animals, while Avachara allows users to create human characters. The code I made also ensures that users are able to see where their position is within the hierarchy. The third website, Facebook, that I made adaptations for has slightly different code. It adds a small, bar-like element to the page in order to show users their position and options. In all, the adaptations made to these websites allow switch access users to navigate through the pages in a more efficient manner and broadens their access to more creative or socially interactive activities.
Summary
Figure 3: Using the hierarchy pattern, choices are more organized. This system of navigation is better than having all options in one bar.
Even though switch access technology exists to help physically disabled people expand their activities, little to no creative/socially interactive programs exist.
The hierarchy pattern implemented creates a more efficient way to navigate through the page by organizing similar choices into groups.
By using my code, users are now able to express themselves and make conscious decisions without the help of others.
Methods
No Grouping Vs. Hierarchy Grouping
In order to adapt these websites, it is necessary to create code to inject into the web page. I used a hierarchy pattern to group similar options together. This permits users to select a first set of options, with each one branching out to new sets of options until the user reaches an option at the end of the branch. This turns a high degree of freedom of choices to a low degree of freedom (“yes” or “no”), all the while maintaining one's creative abilities. Further, I added event listeners to the left and right arrow keys within the code. When users press “yes” on their switch access technology, a function will be carried out in order to act upon their approval of the choice. When users press “no,” a function will be carried out that will move them to the next choice.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank Dr. Gary Bishop for all that he has done. He has been a great Faculty Advisor and has supported me every step of the way. He has been such a wonderful inspiration. I want to also thank the Office for Undergraduate Research and SMART program at UNC Chapel Hill.
Figure 2: Hierarchy grouping makes navigating through choices using switch access more manageable and efficient.