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