NIDILRR Program Database Detailed Record.

Project Type/Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Phase I.

Funding Priority: Technology for Access and Function.
For more information on NIDILRR's funding priorities, read about NIDILRR's Core Areas of Research in the Long Range Plan at https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2019-01/NIDILRR%20LRP-2018-2023-Final.pdf.

Kasi: Combining Sound Based Augmented Reality and Tactile Pieces for Accessible Visual Based STEM Communication.

This project has completed its research activities and is now closed.  Check REHABDATA for documents.

Alchemie Solutions, Inc..
4735 Walnut Lake Road.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301-1328.

E-mail: julia@alchem.ie.
Principal Investigator: Julia Winter.
Public Contact Phone: 248/227-5095.
Project Number: 90BISA0059. About grant numbers.
Start Date: June 1, 2022.
Length: 6 months.
NIDILRR Officer: Hugh Berry, EdD.
NIDILRR Funding: FY 22 $100,000.
Other Funding: FY 22 $625,000 ($500,000 Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) SBIR Phase II; $125,000 Michigan Emerging Technology Fund, Phase II).
Abstract: This project expands the Kasi learning system, which uses audio-based augmented reality (AR) of physical manipulatives, for independent exploration of chemical diagrams with three-dimensional features. The goal of this project is to support blind and low-vision (BLV) students in scientific disciplines from K-12, through college, and into employment. The project objectives are to: (1) develop the Kasi system for use in college-level chemistry courses by creating a digital tool for drawing three-dimensional chemical representations, designing new tactile physical manipulatives, and implementing corresponding computer vision algorithms to assess and guide student learning; and (2) validate the feasibility of the Kasi system with BLV college science students using a mixed methods study. Project outcomes include: (1) an independent method for BLV students to explore and construct chemical diagrams, (2) increased communication between BLV students and their instructors and their student peers, (3) more BLV students participating and succeeding in science courses that are the pre-requisite to employment in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and medical fields, and (4) publishing findings of successful practices that support STEM career advancement for BLV students. The resulting product of this project is an audio-based augmented reality system that uses inexpensive physical manipulatives with web-based software and non-proprietary hardware (e.g., camera, magnetic whiteboard) for a scalable method of accessible and inclusive learning to help all students to succeed in STEM careers.
Descriptors: , Accessibility, Audio, Augmented Reality (AR), Blind, Inclusive learning, Low vision, STEM, Students with disabilities, Tactile systems.

Documents in REHABDATA: There are no documents related to this project.