From dandrews920 at comcast.net Thu Oct 16 04:51:41 2025 From: dandrews920 at comcast.net (David Andrews) Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:51:41 -0500 Subject: [NFB-DC] Research Participation Request: INVLM-Based Indoor Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments Message-ID: <9Fxkvp7wGyG0N9FxmvRr0N.1760590303.432418b4b8f9afd438c61d75685b62ad.MISSINGID@comcast.net> Research Participation Request: INVLM-Based Indoor Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments The below research participant solicitation is being provided for informational purposes only. The National Federation of the Blind has no involvement in this research, but we believe that it may contribute to our research mission. Research Title: InVLM: VLM-Based Indoor Navigation System for People with Visual Impairments Being conducted by: University of Maryland, Baltimore County Purpose of the Study This study aims to develop and evaluate an indoor navigation system known as InVLM (Vision-Language Model-based Indoor Navigation System) for individuals with visual impairments. This system integrates Multi-Modal Foundation Models with real-time object detection and spatial awareness technologies to enhance effective navigation in dynamic indoor settings. The study aims to evaluate the system's effects on navigation efficiency, user independence, and safety compared to traditional assistive methods. In this research, we propose a novel navigation assistance system that integrates macro and micro-navigation for goal-based navigation with the power of multi-modal foundation models. This system can assist BLV individuals in navigating dynamic indoor areas. To ensure safe navigation, we integrate a real-time open-world object detection model, YOLO-World, as an auxiliary model alongside a Large Language Model (LLM) for more robust obstacle detection and hazard assessment. To provide macro navigation, our system uses LLM-based floor plan analysis to convert layouts into navigable graph representations while generating contextual rules and trajectories. Our system combines high-level route generation with low-level navigation to provide more efficient and precise guidance in different indoor areas. To increase rerouting capabilities for user reorientation, we integrate image-based localization through image feature matching with the help of Vision Language Models (VLMs) to detect each scene in an indoor area. Although comprehensive experimental results are still pending, preliminary trials demonstrate significant improvements in navigation efficiency and user independence. Role of the Participants and Anticipated Length of the Study Eligibility Criteria We are looking for participants who * are blind or have low vision, * Currently working in creative domains or have experience with creative tasks. Creative domains may include different forms of art such as photography, creative writing (e.g., fictions), drawing, fiber arts, music, etc. or professions that include creating prototypes or design materials, such as interaction design, product design, graphics design, user experience (UI/UX) research and design, etc. * are able to communicate in English, * are 18 years old or above By creative artifacts, we refer to design prototypes, tactile arts and crafts, images, photographs, drawings, creative writing samples (e.g., fiction, but not academic papers at this time), and musical compositions. These artifacts can be in any medium, as long as they were created by the participant as part of their creative practice. Activities: Short questionnaire, brief training, and navigation tasks with a sighted assistant Each participant will be asked to complete a set of 5 to 10 navigation tasks selected from the following list. These tasks are designed to evaluate wayfinding, navigation, and obstacle detection. A description of each task is provided below. 1. Point-to-Point Navigation A. Example for this Task: Move from the entrance of the space to a designated room (e.g., bedroom, conference room). Goal: Evaluate the systems ability to guide users through multiple turns or corridors. we will evaluate different functionalities of our system, including scene descriptions, text to speech efficiency to the user Obstacle Avoidance Task: Follow a path that includes one or more obstacles (e.g., chairs, boxes) and avoid them based on verbal guidance. Goal: Evaluate the systems hazard detection and redirection capabilities. Safety: No face camera; safety support provided Proposed Participant Compensation Yes, · Compensation: o Pre-survey: $15 (10 -15 minutes, BLV participants only) https://forms.gle/REBMwfqQf76xSrVE8 You can now fill out the pre-survey, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete (BLV participants only). In-person sessions: $40 per session (30 - 45 minutes, up to 3 sessions in one day) Link or Instructions for Participants to Enter the Study Sign-up form: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eyUrWciWyZjEg62 Consent form : https://drive.google.com/file/d/13K0RjJFEL8sZfJ2wHllpQCA6d0aI3BYd/view?usp=sharing Contact the following individual with any questions Aydin Ayanzadeh 3013102304 aydina1 at umbc.edu -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From nfb.stacie at gmail.com Fri Oct 17 00:36:28 2025 From: nfb.stacie at gmail.com (Stacie Leap) Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:36:28 -0400 Subject: [NFB-DC] =?utf-8?q?Join_Us_for_a_Blind_Parents_Seminar_=E2=80=93_C?= =?utf-8?q?elebrating_Blind_Equality_Achievement_Month!?= Message-ID: Hello all! This event is open to all from all geographical locations! The Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents (POBP) invites you to a special Parents Seminar in honor of Blind Equality Achievement Month! Join us on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM ET via Zoom for an open and honest conversation with blind parents right here in Pennsylvania. We’ll be talking about the real ups and downs of parenting while blind—sharing stories, strategies, and encouragement. Topics include: * Cooking and making mealtime easier * Transportation tips and hacks * Helping kids with schoolwork * Talking to your kids about blindness * …and so much more! Our speakers will bring a variety of perspectives and lived experiences to inspire, empower, and spark conversation. Whether you are a parent or not, sighted or blind, an ally, family member, or supporter— this event is for you! Best of all, this seminar is FREE and open to the public. Come learn, laugh, and connect with our community! For more information, please contact POBP President Stacie Leap at Stacie.leap at gmail.com or 215-776-6741. Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Time: 7 PM to 8:30 PM ET Location: Zoom information below. Join Zoom Meeting https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92797371396?pwd=QkJ6MVJ6WDVvMEhGdXpMQTlLM000QT09 Meeting ID: 927 9737 1396 Passcode: 1977 --- One tap mobile +13017158592,,92797371396# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,92797371396# US Join instructions https://nfb-org.zoom.us/meetings/92797371396/invitations?signature=hadPNWoBgQDV1z1PpoIuK-vc6n7h77No3BFm-hOfTAg -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: