Mobile emergency alerting made accessible. (8th March 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Johnson, Jeremy; Mitchell, Helena; LaForce, Salimah; Price, Ed; , Frank Lucia
• Is Part Of: International journal of emergency management. Volume 7:Number 1(2010)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2010-03-08
• Subjects: emergency communications -- mobile devices -- disabled people -- disabilities -- accessibility -- short messaging service -- SMS -- commercial mobile alert systems -- CMAS -- emergency alerting -- emergency management -- prototyping -- mobile phones -- cell phones -- emergency alerts -- warning systems; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 658.47705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4825

Abstract

It is critical that next-generation warning systems be developed such that persons with disabilities are given equal access to emergency alerts. This paper discusses research and development activities to provide next-generation, mobile emergency alerting systems to people with disabilities. A framework for prototyping mobile phone-based emergency alert systems and multiple systems built on this framework are presented. Results from field trials indicated support and the need for accessible emergency alert/notification features. The paper concludes that simple accommodations can be made to services and software on mobile devices that greatly increase the accessibility of mobile emergency alerts to persons with disabilities.