People with Visual Impairments Needed to Test Accessible Aquarium

The Accessible Aquarium Project at Georgia Tech is studying how to improve exhibit experiences at zoos and aquariums through the use of spoken information and music. They are recruiting partner groups, one person with an acquired vision loss and a person familiar to him or her such as a friend or family member who does not have vision loss. The person with an acquired vision loss must not have been blind since birth, but must have difficulty seeing moving objects such as animals in an exhibit.  The sighted partner must not have any difficulty seeing (but can use glasses or contacts).  Both participants must be over 18 years of age, be able to describe their experiences, clearly speak English, and be able to understand conversational speech. Participants may have visited a zoo or aquarium, but must not have visited the Georgia Aquarium within the last 2 years.  Participants will be asked to watch and listen to videos of aquarium exhibits, discuss the exhibits with their partner, and answer questions about their experience.  Georgia Tech is hoping to enroll up to 20 partner groups in this study. For compensation, they are providing each participant with $50 if he/she completes the 2-hour study activities.  Also, each pair will get $25 to share for travel.  The 2 people in each pair have to be there at the same time and the study is at the Georgia Tech campus. Participants will be audio and video recorded during the study. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this research project, please contact Carrie Bruce at 404-385-1718 or carrie.bruce@coa.gatech.edu