Environmental information required by individuals with visual impairments who use orientation and mobility aids to navigate indoor places

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the requirements of individuals with blindness regarding the information to be included in audio-tactile maps and other orientation and mobility aids of indoor places. The research was conducted with the participation of 115 adults with blindness aged from 18 to 64 years. The participants were asked to evaluate each one of the 136 listed environmental information, regarding their usefulness for safety, location of services, and orientation/wayfinding during movement. The study defines the most useful environmental information that should be included in the orientation and mobility aids of indoor places for individuals with blindness. The older the participants, and the more often they move independently without the support of a sighted guide, the less useful they find the inclusion of some environmental information in orientation and mobility aids for indoor places. Although the research focuses on audio-tactile maps, the recorded participants’ preferences on the significant/useful indoor environmental information could be applied in orientation and mobility aids in general. Participants considered more useful the information necessary for safe and independent navigation within indoor places, as well as information relevant to their daily needs coverage and information referring to support provision through auditory or haptic cues. This study holds particular significance for developers of orientation and mobility aids for individuals with blindness. The findings will serve as a valuable point of reference for professionals such as orientation and mobility specialists, rehabilitation experts, and teachers involved in producing aids for students with blindness. While the research concentrates on audio-tactile maps, the preferences of participants recorded in the study regarding crucial indoor environmental information can apply to orientation and mobility aids in a broader context.