1.1 Introduction
A voice-based system is an assistive technology that allows users to interact with a digital platform using spoken commands. It leverages speech recognition and text-to-speech technologies to facilitate tasks such as sending, receiving, and managing emails. This system is particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to navigate digital environments more effectively (Smith et al., 2021). The ability to communicate through email has become a fundamental necessity in today's digital world. Email systems are integral to education, especially for students who rely on communication tools to exchange information with peers and instructors. However, traditional email systems are often designed without considering the unique needs of visually impaired individuals, resulting in accessibility challenges. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide with some form of visual impairment, and many of them face difficulties in accessing technology that meets their specific requirements (World Health Organization, 2021).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Globally, the introduction of voice-based systems revolutionized accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google pioneered solutions such as VoiceOver, JAWS (Job Access With Speech), and TalkBack, which offered features like text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT). However, these systems were largely designed for developed countries, with limited customization for the unique needs of users in developing nations like Nigeria (Smith, J., & Lee, K. 2020). The digital age has brought about significant advancements in communication and learning, with email systems playing a pivotal role in academic and professional interactions. However, these advancements have not been universally inclusive, particularly for visually impaired individuals. Visual impairments, defined as conditions that limit the ability to see and process visual information, affect millions globally, with approximately 15% of Nigerians living with some form of disability, including visual impairment (NPC, 2020).
Globally, efforts have been made to create assistive technologies that address these challenges. Innovations like screen readers, text-to-speech (TTS) applications, and braille displays have revolutionized accessibility for visually impaired individuals. However, these solutions often require technical expertise or resources that are not readily available in low-income countries like Nigeria (Smith, J., & Lee, K. 2020). As a result, visually impaired students in Nigeria face significant barriers to participating in academic and social activities that rely heavily on digital communication tools, including email.
Email systems are essential for modern education, serving as a primary medium for submitting assignments, receiving feedback, and communicating with peers and instructors. Traditional email platforms rely heavily on visual interfaces, making them less effective for individuals who cannot interact with on-screen elements. While global platforms such as Gmail and Outlook have made strides in accessibility, they still pose usability challenges for visually impaired students who may not have access to advanced assistive tools (Adewale, 2022).
The lack of locally tailored solutions exacerbates the problem in Nigeria. A voice-based email system, designed specifically for visually impaired students in Nigeria, could bridge this gap by enabling seamless interaction through voice commands. By incorporating speech-to-text (STT) and text-to-speech (TTS) functionalities, such a system would allow users to send, read, and manage emails without relying on a visual interface. Moreover, this innovation aligns with the global push for inclusive education, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to learning resources and technologies (UNESCO, 2019).
In Nigeria, the challenges are even more pronounced due to limited infrastructure and resources tailored to visually impaired students. The absence of accessible systems hinders their academic performance and social interactions. This issue necessitates the design and implementation of innovative solutions, such as voice-based email systems, which can empower visually impaired students to overcome these barriers. A voice-based email system provides a user-friendly interface, enabling students to compose, read, and manage emails through voice commands. Such systems can utilize text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) technologies, ensuring seamless interaction for users with visual impairments (Smith, J., & Lee, K., 2020).
The challenges encountered that led to the execution of the research work is that, there is lack of awareness and investment in developing accessible digital solutions that address the unique challenges of visually impaired individuals in Nigeria. Without proactive measures to design systems that are both affordable and easy to use, the cycle of exclusion is likely to continue. The growing reliance on digital communication in education and society highlights the urgent need for a solution that is not only functional but also inclusive and empowering for visually impaired students. It is against the background that the developments of this software will provide an intuitive and inclusive platform that allows students to send, receive, and manage emails efficiently using voice commands, thereby bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion in education.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Investigation revealed that the traditional email platforms rely heavily on visual interfaces, making them largely inaccessible to users who are unable to see or interact with graphical elements. Also, the existing assistive technologies, such as screen readers and braille displays, are often expensive and require technical expertise to use. In Nigeria, the high cost of these tools and limited availability of locally adapted solutions exacerbate the challenges faced by visually impaired students. Many of these technologies are designed for developed countries, where infrastructure and resources are readily available, making them less effective in addressing the specific needs of students in low-resource settings.
Furthermore, the unavailability of a tailored voice-based email system for visually impaired students in Nigeria is hindering their ability to communicate independently and efficiently. The absence of such systems is not just a technological gap but a social issue that perpetuates inequality in access to education and communication tools.
Additionally, the development of a voice-based email system tailored to the Nigerian context is an opportunity to address these challenges and promote digital equity. By providing visually impaired students with a tool that allows them to communicate seamlessly through voice commands, this project is essential in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusion in education and technology.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to design and implement a voice-based email system that will enhance communication and accessibility for visually impaired students in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are:
- To create a functional prototype of the voice-based email system, integrating speech-to-text (STT) and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies for seamless communication.
- To maintain the system by ensuring its long-term functionality, regular updates, and troubleshooting, providing consistent support for visually impaired users.
- To design a user-friendly voice-based email system that meets the unique needs of visually impaired students, ensuring it is intuitive, efficient, and easy to use.
- To implement speech-to-text (STT) and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies to facilitate seamless communication, enabling visually impaired students to compose, read, and manage their emails through voice commands.
1.5 Significance of Study
The implementation of the proposed system will promote digital inclusion by addressing the accessibility challenges associated with traditional email systems. It will demonstrate the potential of leveraging technology to create equitable opportunities for visually impaired individuals, aligning with global efforts to ensure inclusive education for all.
Furthermore, educational institutions and policymakers will benefit from the insights generated by this research, as it will provide a model for implementing assistive technologies that support students with disabilities. The system will serve as a tool to improve academic performance and social engagement among visually impaired students, highlighting the importance of inclusive digital tools in educational settings. This project will also inspire further innovations in assistive technologies tailored to the needs of underserved populations in Nigeria and beyond.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused onthe design and implementation of a voice-based email system tailored for visually impaired students within Lagos State, Nigeria. The system is specifically designed to address the communication challenges faced by visually impaired students at the Nigerian Society for the Blind (NSB), Lagos, a key institution supporting visually impaired individuals in the state.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The implementation of the proposed system was restricted to addressing basic email functionalities such as composing, reading, and deleting messages. Advanced features, including attachment management or integration with other digital platforms, were beyond the scope of this research due to time and resource constraints.
Furthermore, the implementation and testing phases were conducted within a single institution, which was the Nigerian Society for the Blind in Lagos.
Finally, the system's dependence on speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies was affected by environmental factors such as background noise and variations in speech accents.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Voice-based System:
A voice-based system is an assistive technology that allows users to interact with a digital platform using spoken commands. It leverages speech recognition and text-to-speech technologies to facilitate tasks such as sending, receiving, and managing emails. This system is particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to navigate digital environments more effectively (Smith et al., 2021).
Email:
Email, short for electronic mail, is a digital communication method used to send and receive messages over the internet. It has become an essential tool in modern communication, providing a convenient platform for academic, professional, and personal exchanges. For visually impaired individuals, integrating email with voice technology improves accessibility (Jones & Lee, 2020).
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