Investigated the feasibility of adding haptic and auditory displays to traditional visual geographic information systems (GISs). Explored differences in user performance, including task completion time and accuracy, and user satisfaction with a multimodal GIS which was implemented with a haptic display, auditory display, and combined display.…

Small-set segmental identification experiments were conducted with three deaf-blind subjects who were highly experienced users of the Tadoma method. Systematic variations in the positioning of the hand on the speaker's face for Tadoma produced systematic effects on percent-correct scores, information transfer, and perception of individual…

Many studies in visual face recognition have supported a special role for the right fusiform gyrus. Despite the fact that faces can also be recognized haptically, little is known about the neural correlates of haptic face recognition. In the current fMRI study, neurologically intact participants were intensively trained to identify specific…

This study examined the role of visual imagery in the centripetal execution principle (CEP), a graphic rule that is related to the drawing of complex figures that are composed of embedded geometric shapes. Sighted blindfolded children and children with early-onset low vision and early-onset blindness copied raised-line drawings (using only the…

In children, concepts develop in a spiral, with the child at the center. A positive self-concept begins within a responsive caregiving environment. Concepts build upon one another. The more ideas and memories that a child has about the way the world and relationships work, the easier it is to develop further ideas. Once a child realizes, for…

This paper summarizes the results of a review of the empirical literature (1990-2005) focusing on use of assistive technology as a self-management tool for persons with intellectual disabilities. Forty investigations were identified which provided information on assistive technology to assist persons with disabilities to initiate and complete…

A series of studies on tangible pictures and their application to blind persons are reviewed and possible explanations for the suggestion of depth offered by outline drawings are discussed. Findings from ancient cave and rock art, together with drawings made by blind children and adults suggest that outline drawings contain some elements that are…

In order to test detection thresholds and discrimination for certain speech sounds, 10 individuals received tape recorded programs of speech signals transduced into vibrotactile information. Stimuli were presented to the fingertip, palm, wrist, forearm, and thigh. Results indicated that thresholds of detection could be elicited at all five body…

The study involving 96 undergraduates with no previous experience with braille investigated variables (such as size of the braille symbols) affecting the learning of braille. Data were analyzed in terms of the number of correct responses, item difficulty, and error patterns. Visual Ss did better than haptic Ss on the regular bralle items but not…

In order to determine whether tactile perception is a useful predictor of academic performance, 50 control and 42 brain impaired (epileptic) children (ages 9-14 years) were examined. (Author/PHR)

Investigates whether tactual habituation without the assistance of vision occurs in four- to six-month-old infants. Additionally tests the relevance of a habituation/reaction to novelty procedure in the tactual modality. Results show clearly that tactual habituation occurs in such infants, just as visual habituation does. (Author/RH)

Newborn cardiac activity was analyzed in the context of the orienting response before and after a feeding, while sleeping and awake. Newborns tended to respond to stimuli with less variability when tested before feeding. The newborn's cardiac response to stimuli in different modalities is affected by arousal state and feeding condition. (ST)

Noting that blind children perceive through their four senses other than vision, the author advocates their learning by tactual perception. (CB)