Polish Research on Acoustical Assistance for Blind and Visually Handicapped Persons

Abstract

Acoustical assistance for blind and visually impaired persons has become in recent years an important topic of practical significance in Poland. Helping visually handicapped persons in using acoustic signals and vibrations in independent and safe navigation in urban environment is a part of counteracting social exclusion of them. Three issues are described in the paper: (1) a process of preparing a unique method for teaching and training of orientation and mobility based on environmental sounds, (2) a concept of a non-acoustic system for marking and identification of dangers spots in a city using wave - vibrating markers, and (3) a concept of auditory training aimed to sensibilize blind children and teenagers to differences in sounds and taught them to concentrate auditory attention on small differences in parameters on an acoustic wave, essential for independent and correct interpretation of environment by hearing and listening