Travelers with visual impairments and orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors were assessed in their performance of the two-point touch cane technique. Both groups deviated similarly from classical stipulations of the technique, having wider arc widths and hand positions off of midline. Measures of body coverage and rhythm were less than ideal.…

To increase the professionalism of mobility instructors for the visually handicapped and to improve practice, the following areas need to be considered: a forum for dialogue and dissemination of information, a central resource for information, public relations materials explaining cane mobility, and a means of identifying the professional. (Author)

The paper reports on a study aimed at developing: (1) a compendium of environmental sensing skills and behaviors, (2) a set of selection procedures and performance trials for matching blind candidates with electronic travel aids, (3) a standard evaluation of pre- and post-training performance, and (4) training guidelines. The materials are noted…

The demonstration project described was designed to demonstrate the value of teaching modern mobility techniques to legally blind public school students and other vocational rehabilitation clients beyond school age. Twenty-four of the 40 persons receiving intensive mobility training were considered rehabilitated during the project. It is noted…

The purpose of this demonstration project was to provide orientation and mobility services for the blind in Missouri. Emphasis was placed on mobility training, because the loss of mobility by the blind person appeared to be the most severe problem. Training for the blind individual began at home, where he was taught to move about comfortably in…

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)

Four groups (sighted, blindfolded sighted, legally blind, and blind) of adults were trained to traverse a five-block route in a residential neighborhood and were then asked to reconstruct the route from memory. Results showed the blind and sighted adults demonstrated similar abilities to learn routes but showed significant differences in memorial…

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)

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rod-cone dystrophy, commonly genetic in nature. Approximately 60-80% of those with retinitis pigmentosa inherit it by an autosomal recessive transmission (Brilliant, 1999). There have been some reported cases with no known family history. The symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa are decreased acuity, photophobia, night…

The authors discuss the establishment of a program at a state university that prepared teachers of the visually impaired (TVI) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists using distance education and intensive, face-to-face instruction. The authors evaluated the self-assessed competencies of 8 participants who completed prescribed TVI and…

The final report details accomplishments of a New York City demonstration program to train handicapped students to travel independently on public transportation. It is explained that three major objectives were attained: five new replicators were identified during each of 3 years, replicators followed the program description, and replicators…