We present insights from 16 semi-structured interviews with individuals who are either legally or completely blind, highlighting both the current use and potential future applications of technologies for home-based iADLs.
Eye on Vision podcast features Lily Turkstra’s research on home-based assistive technology
In a recent episode of WYPL-FM’s Eye on Vision, PhD student Lily Turkstra discussed the findings of her recent Scientific Reports paper, which draws on 16 interviews to reveal how blind and low-vision individuals adapt instrumental daily tasks at home.
In the May 9 episode of WYPL-FM’s Eye on Vision, PhD student Lily Turkstra discussed the findings of her recent Scientific Reports paper, which draws on 16 interviews to reveal how blind and low-vision individuals adapt instrumental daily tasks at home.
She highlighted persistent challenges such as locating misplaced objects, the cascading impact of software updates on accessibility, and the limited awareness of formal training programs. The conversation underscored the study’s call for more seamlessly integrated assistive technologies that align with users’ existing problem-solving strategies and ultimately enhance everyday independence.
https://eyeonvision.blogspot.com/2025/05/assistive-technology-use-in-home-and-ai.html
Publications
Assistive technology use in domestic activities by people who are blind In the News
Lily M. Turkstra 
Tanya Bhatia Alexa Van Os 
Michael Beyeler
Scientific Reports
PhD Candidate
Lily Turkstra is a PhD candidate in Psychological & Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara. She studies the human side of sight restoration, asking what happens after vision is restored and how people learn to make useful sense of artificial vision.