Orientation and Mobility in Asia: The Hazards

Abstract

In this comparison of the hazards faced by the blind pedestrian in Asia and the United States, it is concluded that in Asia there must be much greater flexibility in the application of basic cane techniques. The absence of sidewalks, the crowded and obstacle-strewn streets, the wide variety of vehicles and roaming animals, deep storm drains, overgrown country trails, paddy fields, etc. require that orientation and mobility skills, including the use of touch and hearing, often be adapted to the true needs of the blind traveler.