The article describes the development of the Nottingham Obstacle Detector (NOD), an ultrasonic handheld aid designed to help visually handicapped persons detect obstacles as they travel. Results of six mobility tasks are explained to point out definite advantages of NOD. (Author/CL)

Using a theoretical model of walking with the cane, drop off detection in the touch technique was analyzed for usefulness with the visually impaired. Sufficient cane length for detecting curb drop offs was found to be measurable and a chart was generated to enable the practitioner to determine cane length easily. (Author)

The article describes studies of effectiveness of a secondary task as a measure of the blind mobility information processing workload. Secondary task performance is shown to be a useful index of effects of preview and route difficulty, as well as perceptual and cognitive demands of different mobility aids. (Author/CL)

The development of the Sonic Pathfinder, a new electronic travel aid, is described. The aim has been to produce an aid that gives the user useful information for safe, stress-free travel rather than to provide an electronic surrogate for vision. (Author/CL)

This study evaluated effects of hand position when the long cane is used to assist travel for individuals with severe visual impairments. Subjects were 15 mobility instructors. The study found that the style with which one holds the cane when using the touch technique does affect detection distance for both surface and object preview. (DB)

Measurement of stress in nonvisual travel was attempted with both an electromyograph and a galvonic skin response unit in four travel situations. Results revealed significantly greater stress response when unexpected contact with objects was made than with expected contacts and street crossings. Instructors' intervention also increased stress.…

Two articles discuss the compatibility of the Sonicguide, long cane, and guide dogs in increasing the mobility of visually impaired individuals. (PHR)

Reported are results of using the Sonicguide, a device which allows the wearer to judge distances and presence of objects in the travel path, with four blind children aged 5 to 17. (CL)

An objective evaluation of the Sonic Pathfinder, a new ultrasonic mobility aid, showed that use of the aid changes mobility in many ways. Reduced perception of environmental sounds was not reflected in performance. The majority of users traveled slowly and exhibited less than optimal strategies. (Author/CL)

A travel cane was adapted for use by a 10-year-old boy with cortical blindness, severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy affecting his left arm and leg. The Specific Adaptation Mobility Cane utilizes the affected arm to hold the cane while leaving the other hand free for trailing walls, opening doors, carrying objects, and holding handrails.…

This article reviews research on the biomechanical elements related to the most commonly used long cane technique, the two-point touch, by individuals with blindness or low vision. The use of several natural biomechanical tendencies supports the contention that the technique is inherently efficient. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Measurements of height of cane hand, cane length, step size, and forearm length of 17 cane using blind (14-21 years old) Ss were taken for the purpose of testing the hypothesis that the touch technique does not provide 100 percent path coverage. (Author)

The article describes adaptive techniques used to evaluate and teach mobility to the physically handicapped blind individual, with emphasis on users of wheelchairs and walkers. The use of electronic travel aids is discussed, and a system is designed by the authors to mount the Mowat Sensor to a walker is described. (Author/CL)

The services and concessions available to visually handicapped owners of guide dogs in the United Kingdom are described in relation to veterinary, transportation, commercial, and state sectors; facilities and allowances provided by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and financial implications. (Author/MC)