Wayfinding and indoor navigation for persons with visual impairments: an overview of support innovations by Mada

Abstract

Technology has become an essential part of our lives, and many of our daily tasks have become entirely dependent on it. For example, routine chores such as shopping for household necessities, booking travel tickets, going to places using all different kinds of transportation, etc., are quickly done through mobile phones. And because how it is easy to use mobile phones, we may forget that others, such as the visually impaired, may face many difficulties when using them. The task of navigating through new spaces can often be challenging for people with disabilities, especially for people with visual disabilities and the elderly unless they were already acquainted with the pathways and key landmarks. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. People with Disabilities (PWD) typically rely on published information, experience, other people's expertise, and/or technology to navigate through unknown outdoor and interior areas to attain safe and independent movement. Wayfinding technology has made it possible for accessible and inclusive mobility for persons with visual impairment, and independent travel is a crucial component of this.