Access on Demand: Real-time, Multi-modal Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing based on Augmented Reality

In this experience report, two deaf researchers with varying expertise, communication preferences, and technological skills document their experiences using Access on Demand (AoD), an Augmented Reality (AR) based accessibility application that provides on-demand real-time captioning and sign language interpretation services using the Vuzix Blade AR smart glasses. The researchers report their observations regarding using remote real-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, captioning, and auto-captions ofered by the AoD platform. The authors discuss the benefts and limitations of using AoD as an assistive technology device and how it would beneft the deaf community from the perspective of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) users.