Two blind women affected by severe mental retardation were exposed to two previously developed orientation systems. One of the systems was based on acoustic cues, the other on vibratory feedback. The aim was to assess the relative effectiveness of the two systems. Data indicated that the acoustic system ensured a higher frequency of correct moves for one of the subjects and a more rapid performance of the moves for both subjects. The findings are reviewed in relation to the characteristics and applicability of the systems.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BarlowD. H., & HersenM. (1984) Single case experimental designs. (2nd ed.) New York: Pergamon.
2.
BentzenB. L. (1977) Orientation maps for visually impaired persons.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 71, 193–196.
3.
BlaschB. B., WelshR. L., & DavidsonT. (1973) Auditory maps: an orientation aid for visually handicapped persons.The New Outlook for the Blind, 67, 145–158.
4.
DoddsA. G., HowarthC. I., & CarterD. C. (1982) The mental maps of the blind: the role of previous visual experience.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 76, 5–12.
5.
DurlachN. (1991) Auditory localization in teleoperator and virtual environment systems: ideas, issues, and problems.Perception, 20, 543–554.
6.
EdgingtonE. S. (1967) Statistical inference from N = 1 experiments.Journal of Psychology, 65, 195–199.
7.
JoffeeE., & RikhyeC. H. (1991) Orientation and mobility for students with severe visual and multiple impairments: a new perspective.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 85, 211–216.
8.
LancioniG. E., OlivaD., & BracalenteS. (1994) An electronic guidance system for multi-handicapped blind persons: evaluating its effectiveness and likableness.Behavioral Interventions, 9, 93–103.
9.
LancioniG. E., OlivaD., & BracalenteS. (1995) An acoustic orientation system to promote independent indoor travel in blind persons with severe mental retardation.Perceptual and Motor Skills, 80, 747–754.
10.
PerrettS., & NobleW. (1995) Available response choices affect localization of sound.Perception & Psychophysics, 57, 150–158.
11.
UslanM., MaloneS., & De l'AuneW. (1983) Teaching route travel to multiply handicapped blind adults: an auditory approach.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 77, 18–20.
12.
UslanM. M., RussellL., & WeinerC. (1988) A ‘musical pathway’ for spatially disoriented blind residents of a skilled nursing facility.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 82, 21–24.
