Travel behavior of blind individuals before and after receiving orientation and mobility training.

PDFTech ReportTRCLC 2015-04TRCLC 2015-04Blind personsVisually impaired personsTravel behaviorUnited StatesWestern Michigan University. Transportation Research Center for Livable CommunitiesKim, Dae ShikSmith, C. ScottConnors, ElyseWestern Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan University. Transportation Research Center for Livable CommunitiesUS Transportation CollectionIn this pilot study, we devised, tested, and refined a protocol for evaluating the travel behavior of blind individuals. Preliminary analyses of our pilot study data suggest that our new method involving Global Positioning Systems (GPS), accelerometers, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), will enable us to collect objective, quantitative, and valid measures of blind individuals\ue2\u20ac\u2122 travel behavior and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training\ue2\u20ac\u2122s effectiveness. Preliminary analysis results from a small sample of blind travelers describe the individuals\ue2\u20ac\u2122 trip distances, trip frequencies, trip destinations, trip modes, travel times, whether assisted or not, and perceived ability to get around. With the completion of the full-scale study (proposed for FY 2016-18), we may be able to recommend changes to current O&M training to allow more active, confident, and safe travel by blind individuals in their communities. We may also discover characteristics of the physical environment that inhibit access by blind pedestrians and are more amenable to mitigation through good transportation planning (e.g., geometric design of intersections) than through O&M training