A dream for a blind person would be to travel independently through the environment as quickly as other members of the community. In the future, a person who is blind will be moved from A to B via an automated motorcar, simply by entering the GPS co-ordinates, and on arrival a wayfinding system will announce directions via a wireless mobile phone. As they walk along, signs will talk to their mobile phone and shops will advertise the same way. Unfortunately, in reality a person who is blind does not go out independently and explore the world. Orientation and mobility training has to be provided by a Mobility Instructor on proposed routes of travel. Issues encountered include: 1. Public transport; 2. Accessible footpaths; 3.Road crossings; 4.Information that must be memorised. These are just a few of the considerations that have to be taken into account before a trip is undertaken. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E211783.
Abstract