A study of current situation on the use of computers by visually impaired persons in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring perspective of visually impaired persons and computer trainers on the use of computers by visually impaired persons. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from 102 visually impaired persons and 10 computer trainers in Lao People's Democratic Republic among 6 organizations in Vientiane Capital and Savannakhet Province. The researcher also conducted in-depth interviews with 6 persons selected from 102 and 10 participants. The results showed that visually impaired computer users were studying from primary school to university levels and had basic knowledge of using computers. Lao speech synthesizer and Thai speech synthesizer (due to language similarity) were used with JAWS and NVDA screen readers among visually impaired computer users. They found challenges, problems and barriers on the use of computers as they lacked computer services, equipment and software, training programs, computer trainers, cooperation and budget. The computer trainers had some problems with performance at a medium level as they lacked skills to teach how to use computers with specialized software for visually impaired persons. They also lacked coordination in computer services and equipment loan. The trainers found that visually impaired persons lacked exchanges between students and trainers during the training, had less willingness to study and did not feel confident in using computers. Furthermore, all participants needed to have more knowledge in computer repair and service. Computer centers with supplementary equipment and appropriate software should be more available. The issues of government support for equipment for individuals and setting up quality computer centers are also important for proper trainings. The need to promote research, innovation and application of accessible computer system suitable for visually impaired persons in Lao PDR is quite essential for future progress in this area