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)

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)

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 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)

The first part of the article appeared in the March issue of New Outlook for the Blind. (JM)

Semistructured telephone interviews with 10 visually impaired adult cane users found that early negative attitudes of stigma were usually replaced by more positive attitudes and that there was a mean of 1 3/4 years between the onset of severe visual impairment and commencement of orientation and mobility training. (Author/DB)

THESE PROCEEDINGS WERE PREPARED FROM THE MOBILITY RESEARCH CONFERENCE HELD IN ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, AUGUST 3-7, 1964. PROGRESS REPORTS ARE GIVEN ON THE FOLLOWING--(1) ULTRASONIC MOBILITY AID, (2) ULTRASONIC GUIDANCE SYSTEM, (3) ELEKTROFTALM MOBILITY AID, (4) PASSIVE ENVIRONMENT SENSORS, (5) AMBIENT-LIGHT OBJECT DETECTOR, (6) TRAVEL PATH…

Mobility training refers to activities that will better help the sightless move within the environment with a minimum amount of assistance. Activities that have been successfully used with blind students in self-contained classes are described. (JN)

Describes ocular and other complications of diabetes that orientation and mobility instructors should consider in determining the most appropriate mobility training for persons with diabetes who are visually impaired. Compares the benefits of using dog guides and long canes in dealing with these various complications. (Author/CR)