This article describes a model of mobility and the resulting software program that allows for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cane coverage. The software program allows the mobility specialist to input micro-components of an individual's cane technique and a defined environmental situation. The software generates a graphically displayed coverage profile and a safety index (accident probability). Both model and program have broad implications in mobility for practice, research, and policy. Currently, the model is limited to cane-related skills and techniques and does not factor in such concepts as orientation, motivation, reaction time, and use of other senses.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BledsoeC.W. (1980). Originators of orientation and mobility training. In WelshR.L., BlaschB.B. (Eds.), Foundations in Orientation and Mobility.New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
2.
DoddsA.G., CarterD.D.C., and HowarthC.I. (1983). Improving objective measures of mobility.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 77, 438–442.
3.
FoyC.J., Von SchedenM., and WaiculonisJ. (1992). The Connecticut Pre-cane: Case study and curriculum.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 86, 178–181.
4.
GeruschatD., & De L'AuneW. (1989). Reliability and validity of O&M instructor observations.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 83, 457–460.
5.
HillE. (in press). Survival or growth: Issues effecting future directions in orientation and mobility.Peabody Journal of Education.
6.
HillE., and PonderP. (1976). Orientation and Mobility Techniques.New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
7.
HooverR.E. (1946). Foot travel without sight.Outlook for the Blind and the Teachers Forum, 40, 244–251.
8.
KaltonG. (1983). Introduction to Survey Sampling from the series Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences, Number 35. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
9.
LeonardJ.A. (1967). The evaluation of blind mobility.American Foundation for the Blind Research Bulletin, 26, 73–76.
10.
LevyW.H. (1949). On the blind walking alone, and of guides, London 1872. Reprinted in Outlook for the Blind and the Teachers Forum, 43, 106–110.
11.
LongR.L., RieserJ.J., and HillE.W. (1990). Mobility in individuals with moderate visual impairments.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 78, 111–118.
12.
UslanM.M. (1978). Cane technique: Modifying the touch technique for full path coverage.Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 72, 10–14.
13.
UslanM.M., and ManningP. (1974). A graphic analysis of touch technique safety.American Foundation for the Blind Research Bulletin, 28, 175–190.
14.
WhitstockR.H. (1980). Dog Guides. In Eds. WelshR.L., BlaschB.B.Foundations of Orientation and Mobility.New York: American Foundation for the Blind.
