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The Development of an Indoor Mobility Course for the Evaluation of Electronic Mobility Aids for Persons Who Are Visually Impaired

Authors :
Roentgen, Uta R.
Gelderblom, Gert Jan
de Witte, Luc P.
Source :
Assistive Technology. 2012 24(3):143-154.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a suitable mobility course for the assessment of mobility performance as part of a user evaluation of Electronic Mobility Aids (EMA) aimed at obstacle detection and orientation. Method: A review of the literature led to a list of critical factors for the assessment of mobility performance of persons who are visually impaired. Based upon that list, method, test situations, and determining elements were selected and presented to Dutch orientation and mobility experts. Due to expert advice and a pilot study, minor changes were made and the final version was used for the evaluation of two EMA by eight persons who are visually impaired. Results: The results of the literature study are summarized in an overview of critical factors for the assessment of the mobility performance of persons who are visually impaired. Applied to the requirements of the above mentioned user evaluation a replicable indoor mobility course has been described in detail and tested. Conclusion: Based upon evidence from literature an indoor mobility course has been developed, which was sensitive to assess differences in mobility incidents and obstacle detection when using an EMA compared to the regular mobility aid. Experts' opinion confirmed its face and content validity. (Contains 5 figures.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1040-0435
Volume :
24
Issue :
3
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Assistive Technology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ975719
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2012.659954