Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to determine which assistive technologies and mainstream technologies, together referred to as access technology (AT), are being utilized in the workplace and how they are being utilized by people who are blind or have low vision (B/LV). Because AT changes constantly, we will conduct a longitudinal survey of B/LV workers to assess these issues. A secondary purpose of the study is to compare AT use, skill, and self-efficacy among employed and unemployed people who are B/LV.
Project Outputs
McDonnall, M. C., Boydstun, J., & Steverson, A. (2026). Use of wearable devices and generative AI in the workplace by people with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. Advance online publication.
McDonnall, M. C., Boydstun, J., & Steverson, A. (2025). Is one enough? Screen reader use among employed people who are blind or have low vision in the U.S. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Advance online publication.
McDonnall, M. C., & Sessler Trinkowsky, R. (2025). Assistive technology innovations: Perceptions, adoption, and desires. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 19, 47-66.
McDonnall, M.C., Steverson, A., Boydstun, J., & D’Andrea, F.M. (2025). Factors associated with proficient braille skills in adults. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 111(2), 97-108.
McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., Trinkowsky, R. S., & Sergi, K. (2024). Assistive technology use in the workplace by people with blindness and low vision: Perceived skill level, satisfaction, and challenges. Assistive Technology, 36(6), 429-436.
Boydstun, J., McDonnall, M. C., & Steverson, A. (2024). Assistive Technology in the Workplace and Training Needs: Insights from Employed Young Adults who are Blind or Have Low Vision. Visual Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly, 69(4), 79-96.
McDonnall, M. (2024, Fall). Remote sighted assistance app use and thoughts about “sighted” assistance from artificial intelligence. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/fall2024/ai-usage-research
McDonnall, M. C., Sessler-Trinkowsky, R., & Steverson, A. (2024). Use of braille in the workplace by people who are blind. Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, 12, 58-75.
McDonnall, M. C., Steverson, A., & Boydstun, J. (2024). Actual and preferred methods for learning to use assistive technology. Assistive Technology Outcomes and Benefits, 18, 20-35.
McDonnall, M. C. (2023, December 19). Digital inaccessibility: Blind and low-vision people have powerful technology but still face barriers to the digital world. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/digital-inaccessibility-blind-and-low-vision-people-have-powerful-technology-but-still-face-barriers-to-the-digital-world-212600
McDonnall, M. C., Sergi, K., & Steverson, A. (2023). Comparison of assistive technology use and beliefs among employed and unemployed people who are blind. The New RE:View, 1(2), 12-27.
McDonnall, M. C. (2023, Summer). Challenges with AT in the workplace: Accessibility issues top the list. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/24/6/1836
McDonnall, M. & Steverson, A. (2023, Spring). Interest in and adoption of novel AT: Findings from the NRTC’s AT in the Workplace study. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/24/5/18311
Steverson, A., McDonnall, M., & Sergi, K. (2022, May). What assistive technologies are used in the workplace? Initial research findings by NRTC on Blindness and Low Vision, Mississippi State University. AccessWorld. https://www.afb.org/aw/23/5/17939