NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
PDF on ERIC Download full text
ERIC Number: EJ1114545
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-482X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Virtual Environments for People Who Are Visually Impaired Integrated into an Orientation and Mobility Program
Lahav, Orly; Schloerb, David W.; Srinivasan, Mandayam A.
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v109 n1 p5-16 Jan-Feb 2015
Introduction: The BlindAid, a virtual system developed for orientation and mobility (O&M) training of people who are blind or have low vision, allows interaction with different virtual components (structures and objects) via auditory and haptic feedback. This research examined if and how the BlindAid that was integrated within an O&M training program could be of help when teaching those who are blind or visually impaired to develop O&M skills. Methods: Using qualitative and quantitative methods, this research focused on 16 participants during their O&M course, and studied virtual environment exploration and orientation tasks in virtual environments. Results: The encouraging results of the current study indicate the potential strengths of the BlindAid system as an O&M training device for visually impaired people. Discussion: Follow-up research evaluating transference of knowledge from virtual environments to real spaces could contribute to O&M training for people who are visually impaired. Implications for practitioners: BlindAid could play a central role in three potential applications: a training simulator for O&M, a diagnostic tool for O&M specialists to track and observe participants' spatial behavior, and a technique for advanced exploration of unknown spaces.
American Foundation for the Blind. 11 Penn Plaza Suite 300, New York, NY 10001. Tel: 800-232-5463; Tel: 212-502-7600; e-mail: afbinfo@afb.net; Web site: http://www.afb.org/store
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Eye Institute (NEI)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: 5R21EY166012
Author Affiliations: N/A