Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time
About This Grant
Project Abstract This proposal aims to transform the accessibility of digital thematic maps for the 285 million blind and low vision (BLI) individuals worldwide. Thematic maps are essential for understanding complex data in various domains, including climate analysis, electoral processes, and emergency management. However, these maps are currently inaccessible to BLI individuals, as screen readers often fail to recognize them, and they lack customization options for low vision users. If an alternative is provided, it is a simple table lacking any geographic information. This project seeks to commercialize Audiom, an innovative, multimodal, and Large Language Model (LLM) chat-based digital map viewer. Unlike existing alternatives, Audiom is designed to be fully compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), enabling BLI individuals to engage fully in scientific and civic domains. The project will develop Audiom from a prototype into a fully commercial platform that integrates with mainstream map tools, laying the groundwork for further research into non-visual and multimodal cartography. Audiom offers a unique visual experience for low vision users, allowing customization through speech, textures, and high contrast borders. For non-visual users, Audiom provides an auditory and tactile experience, enabling navigation through a map with arrow keys or touchscreen swipes, with pitch and speech indicating the value of features. The specific aims of this project are threefold: 1) Optimize user performance with the Audiom interface through user-centered design iterations; 2) Execute community-based comparative usability studies to evaluate Audiom's effectiveness for BLI and sighted users; and 3) Create, commercialize, and distribute a productionready Software Development Kit (SDK) for accessible digital thematic maps, facilitating easy integration with existing digital map tools. By achieving these aims, Audiom will not only make thematic maps accessible to BLI individuals, ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act for government entities, but also make mainstream the field of non-visual cartography. The commercialization of Audiom will empower BLI scientists, enhance civic participation, and improve the quality of life for BLI individuals by allowing them to use digital maps for the first time.
Grant Summary
Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time is a NEI - National Eye Institute grant providing up to $1.0M for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2027-08-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $1.0M
2027-08-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time from NEI - National Eye Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NEI - National Eye Institute before the deadline.
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Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time?
Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time is offered by NEI - National Eye Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time provide?
Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time provides up to $1.0M per award from NEI - National Eye Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time deadline?
Applications for Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time are due 2027-08-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NEI - National Eye Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time?
To apply for Developing and Evaluating Visual, Auditory, and Tactile and Text Digital Thematic Map Viewer to Provide Blind and Low Vision Individuals Full Access to Thematic Maps for the First Time, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NEI - National Eye Institute.