In the course of evolution, animals have obtained the capacity to perceive and encode their environment via the development of sensory systems such as touch, olfaction, audition, and vision

Blind individuals often report difficulties to navigate and to detect objects placed outside their peri-personal space. Although classical sensory substitution devices could be helpful in this respect, these devices often give a complex signal which requires intensive training to analyze. New devices that provide a less complex output signal are therefore needed. Here, we evaluate a smartphone-based sensory substitution device that offers navigation guidance based on strictly spatial cues in the form of horizontally spatialized sounds. The system uses multiple sensors to either detect obstacles at a distance directly in front of the user or to create a 3D map of the environment (detection and avoidance mode, respectively), and informs the user with auditory feedback. We tested 12 early blind, 11 late blind and 24 blindfolded-sighted participants for their ability to detect obstacles and to navigate in an obstacle course. The three groups did not differ in the number of objects detected and avoided. However, early blind and late blind participants were faster than their sighted counterparts to navigate through the obstacle course. These results are consistent with previous research on sensory substitution showing that vision can be replaced by other senses to improve performance in a wide variety of tasks in blind individuals. This study offers new evidence that sensory substitution devices based on horizontally spatialized sounds can be used as a navigation tool with a minimal amount of training.

Vision loss has dramatic repercussions on the quality of life of affected people, particularly with respect to their orientation and mobility. Many devices are available to help blind people to navigate in their environment. The EyeCane is a recently developed electronic travel aid (ETA) that is inexpensive and easy to use, allowing for the detection of obstacles lying ahead within a 2 m range. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of the EyeCane as a primary aid for spatial navigation. Three groups of participants were recruited: early blind, late blind, and sighted. They were first trained with the EyeCane and then tested in a life-size obstacle course with four obstacles types: cube, door, post, and step. Subjects were requested to cross the corridor while detecting, identifying, and avoiding the obstacles. Each participant had to perform 12 runs with 12 different obstacles configurations. All participants were able to learn quickly to use the EyeCane and successfully complete all trials. Amongst the various obstacles, the step appeared to prove the hardest to detect and resulted in more collisions. Although the EyeCane was effective for detecting obstacles lying ahead, its downward sensor did not reliably detect those on the ground, rendering downward obstacles more hazardous for navigation.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a promising tool to produce assistive technology. For instance, individuals with deafblindness (concurrent vision and hearing loss) could benefit from tactile AM-based products as touch may be their main gateway to access information. This study thus aimed to synthesize evidence on the current and potential practices involving AM in the context of deafblindness rehabilitation and to inform healthcare professionals and family caregivers on how AM can improve functioning and quality of life. A comprehensive literature search of ten databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Global Health, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Web of Science, Engineering Village, and Scopus) was performed to identify sources focusing on the use of AM toward rehabilitation goals of individuals with deafblindness. Nine of 1,397 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that AM can counter barriers to full accessibility by enabling professionals to produce customized adapted material and communication devices, thus assisting individuals with deafblindness in communication, mobility, and learning. However, this review highlights a need for more AM research, resources, and training: interdisciplinary collaborations with AM specialists thus appear essential in improving rehabilitation services with AM.

For people with visual impairments (PVI), understanding space is crucial for independence and tactile maps are useful tools to gain spatial information and improve orientation. However, their popularity and impacts in the PVI population are not yet fully understood. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence of tactile map usage and their effects on independent travel and well-being internationally. To do so, two online surveys were completed by PVI (n₁ = 752, n₂ = 510) in 40 countries from which information was collected related to travel habits, spatial abilities, experience with tactile maps, mobility services, and perceived well-being. The surveys revealed that only 17.15% of respondents have had experience with tactile maps and that this tactile map experience was related to better cognitive mapping skills, a higher level of education, a higher perceived well-being and a higher sense of independence (i.e., perceiving the area of living as more accessible, and requiring assistance less often). This study confirms that tactile maps have a positive impact on the independent travel and well-being of PVI around the world, including both individuals with low-vision and blindness, and demonstrates the importance of early tactile map exposure, as tactile maps support the development of generalizable spatial concepts and abilities.

Mainstream smartphone applications are increasingly replacing the use of traditional visual aids to facilitate independent travel for people with blindness or low vision. However, little is known about which navigation apps are being used, the factors underpinning these decisions and why apps are not used in certain contexts. The goal of this study was to explore the navigation-based apps used by individuals who are blind or who have low vision, the factors influencing these decisions, and perceptions about gaps to address future needs in navigation. An international online survey was conducted with 139 participants who self-identified as blind or low vision. Findings indicate that the decision to use an app based on artificial intelligence (AI) versus live video assistance is related to whether the task is dynamic or static in nature. Although most participants rely on apps only during unfamiliar routes (60.9%), apps are shown to supplement rather than replace traditional tools such as the white cane and dog guide. Participants underscore the need for future apps to better assist with indoor navigation and to provide more precise information about points of interest (POI). These results provide vital insights for technology developers about the perceived utility of smartphone apps for people with low vision or blindness during navigation. Our results highlight the importance of built-in accessibility features for users with visual impairments. As additional technology-based solutions are developed, it is essential that blind and low vision users, including rehabilitation professionals, are meaningfully included within design.