AccessScope project: Accessible light microscope for users with upper limb mobility or visual impairments

Abstract

Purpose. A web-based application was developed to remotely view slide specimens and control all functions of a research-level light microscopy workstation, called AccessScope. Students and scientists with upper limb mobility and visual impairments are often unable to use a light microscope by themselves and must depend on others in its operation.

Method. Users with upper limb mobility impairments and low vision were recruited to assist in the design process of the AccessScope personal computer (PC) user interface. Participants with these disabilities were evaluated in their ability to use AccessScope to perform microscopical tasks. AccessScope usage was compared with inspecting prescanned slide images by grading participants' identification and understanding of histological features and knowledge of microscope operation.

Results. With AccessScope subjects were able to independently perform common light microscopy functions through an Internet browser by employing different PC pointing devices or accessibility software according to individual abilities. Subjects answered more histology and microscope usage questions correctly after first participating in an AccessScope test session.

Conclusions. AccessScope allowed users with upper limb or visual impairments to successfully perform light microscopy without assistance. This unprecedented capability is crucial for students and scientists with disabilities to perform laboratory coursework or microscope-based research and pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Keywords:

• Accessible light microscope
• remote microscopy
• students with mobility impairments
• students with visual impairments
• science education

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the participants of this study for their invaluable assistance. We appreciate Jennifer Danaher for helping with the participant trials and Li Hwa Chong for her assistance with participant evaluations. We also thank representatives from Optical Analysis Corp. and Olympus®, Inc. for their help with hardware development and technical assistance. This project was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation (0533124HRD to B.S.D.), financial support of the Center for Paralysis Research by the State of Indiana, and hardware and software support from Intel® QImaging® and Olympus®, Inc.