Navigating with a Visual Impairment: Problems, Tools and Possible Solutions

In this paper we discuss various navigational aids for people who have a visual impairment. Navigational technologies are classified according to the mode of accommodation and the type of sensor utilized to collect environmental information. Notable examples of navigational aids are discussed, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Operational and design considerations for navigational aids are suggested. We conclude with a discussion of how multimodal interaction benefits people who use technology as an accommodation and can benefit everyone.

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