title: AccessScope project: Accessible light microscope for users with upper limb mobility or visual impairments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2096, USA.
authors.forename: Awais
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mansoor
authors.forename: Wamiq M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Ala
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Samarapungavan
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cirillo
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schwarte
authors.forename: J Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Bradley S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Duerstock
mesh_terms: D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D034941:Upper Extremity; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014786:Vision Disorders