Dr. G Madan Mohan

https://doi.org/10.64823/ijssr.2602001

Introduction: Research on assistive technology (AT) has focused on adoption and abandonment. Little is known about whether people who use screen-reading software (SRS) use it to the extent their work requires. This study examined the gap between work-warranted and actual SRS use and how it varies with profile and SRS-use characteristics. Methods: A total of 338 SRS users in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India, rated how far their work warranted SRS use and how far they actually used it. Comparing the two ratings, respondents were classified as Requirement-Matched, Above-Requirement or Below-Requirement Users. Associations with 13 characteristics were tested using Pearson chi-square, Monte Carlo exact tests and Cramér's V. Results: Most respondents (76.6%) were Requirement-Matched Users, 13.6% were Above-Requirement Users and 9.8% were Below-Requirement Users. Eagerness to learn about AT showed the strongest association (V = .26), with low eagerness linked to below-requirement use. Below-requirement use was also more frequent among respondents with 2–5 years of AT use, a single training programme, a diploma qualification and NVDA as their screen reader. Above-requirement use was more frequent among respondents aged 18–25, students and those with moderate visual impairment. Gender, income, cause of impairment and self-rated computer proficiency were not associated with the gap. Discussion: The two forms of mismatch have different correlates. Below-requirement use appears to reflect a plateau in learning rather than weak general computer skill. Implications for Practitioners: Training providers could follow introductory SRS training with a second, work-focused stage. Employers and rehabilitation services could offer refresher training to users in their second to fifth year of AT use. Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest Ethical Clearance: Ethical clearance obtained from Pondicherry University.

https://doi.org/10.64823/ijter.2607005

Involvement of participants in India’s financial market is witnessing a drastic change with the digitalisation of investment platforms. Fintech amenities, digitalised brokerage facilities and mobile transaction apps have resulted in a major change in the pattern of investment by investors. Nevertheless, the digitalisation process has not been inclusive for visually impaired (VI) investors. Previous studies have concentrated on usage of banking and digital payments by VI. However, not much attention has been accorded to exploring the difficulties encountered by VI while investing in the capital markets. This research has used qualitative Case Study approach to examine the experiences of six VI investors in accessing the electronic investment platforms while making investments and possible approaches to overcome such challenges. Data collected through an in-depth interview of the six VI investors has been analysed thematically applying Capability approach in the backdrop of UTAUT model. The study has exposed that VI investors confront KYC and documentation complexities along with unapproachable platforms, complicated by visual charts and analytics while trying to venture into capital market. These complexities affect the investment decision-making of the VI investors due to aggravated acuity about risk of losing their investment. Consequently, these VI investors tend to have vigilant approach during their initial investment period. However, they also display strong learning capability, subtleness and adaptability by starting their investment on avenues such as index fund, mutual fund and exchange-traded fund which require minimum dependence on visuals. This study has added the new dimension of investing in capital market to the concept of financial inclusion for VI. The study is of valuable utility to digital investment-aiding agencies to suitably design their websites and platforms well accessible for VI investors. Further, regulatory bodies such as SEBI can start redefining their role towards transforming the capital market more inclusive and accessible for VI