This study investigated the technical difficulties and technical assistance that blind adults experienced when interacting with computers and computing applications.
Methods: The study utilized surveys in French and English, delivered either online or as emailed Microsoft Word documents. The questions focused on the frequency, nature, and causes of issues.
Results: Fifty-six people using sight substitution technology participated in the survey. Regarding types of problems experienced, 66% were solved without help from sighted people. Of those that were unsolvable without sighted help, differences were found between English-speaking Americans and French Canadians. French Canadian respondents mostly indicated usability issues (65%).
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the most cited technical problems related to upgrading or switching to new operating systems and inaccessible content.