Augmented reality-based assistive technology for handicapped children

This study attempts to integrate virtual objects into real scenery based on augmented reality(AR) technology. When detected by a web-cam device, corresponding information appears on a screen to increase the interaction of assistive technology aimed at handicapped children by adopting an enhanced intuitive learning method. This study is divided training and testing steps. The training step allows researchers involved in special education to acquire AR skills and develop a unit course for handicapped individuals. In the testing step, handicapped children adopt AR as an assistive technology. Feedback of those children from the system is observed as well. Study participants are physically challenged children from kindergarten to 1st grade in elementary school. Results of this study demonstrate that AR is a highly effective assistive technology for handicapped children, offering them an innovative and interesting learning medium.