Disability-inclusive emergency mobile app requirements

Abstract This study addresses the accessibility challenges in emergency systems for individuals with disabilities by identifying key requirements and proposing communication modalities for inclusive mobile applications. The goal is to align these systems with user needs, legislative directives, and technical standards. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining focus groups and structured questionnaires to gather insights from 65 participants with diverse disabilities. This method facilitated the exploration of user needs, communication preferences, and accessibility challenges, complemented by a review of existing standards and legislative frameworks to ensure a comprehensive analysis. The study presents a detailed framework of accessibility requirements and communication modalities, including tailored features for specific disabilities, universal design elements for broad usability, and advanced functionalities to enhance emergency response. These contributions highlight the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and user-centered innovation in emergency mobile applications. This research offers a foundational contribution to the design of inclusive emergency systems by integrating user feedback, accessibility standards, and technical advancements. The proposed requirements and communication modalities provide a roadmap for developers to create tools that ensure safety and accessibility for all in critical situations.