Model of guidance for visually impaired persons in the traffic network

Abstract

The movement of the blind and visually impaired persons in the traffic network is today based exclusively on the application of aids (white cane) and methods that the users learn during the training of orientation and movement. In present paper authors investigate accessibility of information and communication technologies and services with the purpose of increasing the mobility level of the blind and visually impaired persons when moving in the traffic network of the City of Zagreb. The traffic intersections were analysed from the viewpoint of difficult-to-master for independent movement by using the basic methods of crossing a traffic intersection which the users acquire at the training of orientation and movement. The method of survey and interviews with a target group of users was used to evaluate all the relevant parameters of guidance and navigation resulting from the mentioned analyses and by performing training of orientation and movement in the duration of six months. Based on the carried out research and the used scientific methods the dynamic model has been defined and it is based on relevant parameters of guidance and navigation, and on the application of the information and communication technologies and services. The information provided to the user, by the system, is defined according to the currently available technologies. The model was efficiency tested on a real system of the traffic network of the City of Zagreb.