This research study attempted to test the ability of
a verbal response survey instrument to predict the
ability of subjects who are blind to spatially
organize large outdoor areas. In addition to the
verbal respose survey instrument, a near
space lapboard task where the subject was
required to memorize the positional relationships of
attached objects and then replace them when the
board was turned, and a procedure conducted in a
residential and light business area in Louisville,
Kentucky, where the subject was conducted on a three
block route by a competent sighted guide and then
asked to return to his point of origin by
determining the closest alternative route were
included in the procedure. The route task was
conducted twice, first using the sighted guide who
took full responsibility for the subject s safe
travel, and then by using the subject s preferred
mobility device, i.e., cane, dog guide, or
electronic travel aid. In this manner the study also
attempted to determine and quantify the impact of
poor mobility skills on spatial organization tasks
in typical outdoor travel situations and
environments.
a verbal response survey instrument to predict the
ability of subjects who are blind to spatially
organize large outdoor areas. In addition to the
verbal respose survey instrument, a near
space lapboard task where the subject was
required to memorize the positional relationships of
attached objects and then replace them when the
board was turned, and a procedure conducted in a
residential and light business area in Louisville,
Kentucky, where the subject was conducted on a three
block route by a competent sighted guide and then
asked to return to his point of origin by
determining the closest alternative route were
included in the procedure. The route task was
conducted twice, first using the sighted guide who
took full responsibility for the subject s safe
travel, and then by using the subject s preferred
mobility device, i.e., cane, dog guide, or
electronic travel aid. In this manner the study also
attempted to determine and quantify the impact of
poor mobility skills on spatial organization tasks
in typical outdoor travel situations and
environments.