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BACKGROUND Facial expressions are critical for conveying emotions and facilitating social interaction. Yet, little is known about how accurately sighted individuals recognize emotions facially expressed by people with visual impairments in online communication settings. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate sighted individuals’ ability to understand facial expressions of six basic emotions in people with visual impairments during Zoom calls. It also aimed to examine whether education on facial expressions specific to people with visual impairments would improve emotion recognition accuracy. METHODS Sighted participants viewed video clips of individuals with visual impairments displaying facial expressions. They then identified the emotions displayed. Next, they received an educational session on facial expressions specific to people with visual impairments, addressing unique characteristics and potential misinterpretations. After education, participants viewed another set of video clips and again identified the emotions displayed. RESULTS Before education, participants frequently misidentified emotions. After education, their accuracy in recognizing emotions improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that education on facial expressions of people with visual impairments can significantly enhance sighted individuals’ ability to accurately recognize emotions in online settings. This improved accuracy has the potential to foster more inclusive and effective online interactions between people with and without visual disabilities.
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This content will become publicly available on December 1, 2026
Reduced Loneliness in People With Visual Impairments Using Interconnected Smart Technologies
Introduction: Loneliness poses significant challenges for people with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). To explore potential solutions, the study investigated the degree to which smart technologies (i.e., iPhone 13 Mini, Apple Watch SE, and Amazon Echo 4th Gen), pre-synced to work together as an integrated system, help to manage loneliness.Methods:A convenience sample of 41 individuals with visual impairments and 38 sighted counterparts used the preconfigured smart technologies freely for seven days. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale.Results:Results showed a decrease in perceived loneliness for both groups after the study. A negative correlation was found between the frequency of smart speaker usage and the level of perceived loneliness among participants with visual impairments. Participants reported positive user experiences, emphasizing the contributions of smart technologies to reducing feelings of loneliness.Discussion: The study highlights the effectiveness of interconnected smart technologies in reducing loneliness among individuals with visual impairments, suggesting their potential role in broader accessibility and mental health initiatives.Implications for Practitioners: Practitioners should consider integrating accessible, interconnected smart technologies into support programs to alleviate loneliness and enhance social connections for individuals with visual impairments.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1831969
- PAR ID:
- 10650816
- Publisher / Repository:
- SAGE Publications
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness
- ISSN:
- 0145-482X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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