[NFBCS] Seeking Participants for a Survey on Understanding Navigation Strategies for Blind Individuals ($30 Compensation)

[Lucas Nadolskis]

Hello,

The Bionic Vision Lab<https://bionicvisionlab.org/> at UCSB is conducting a research survey to explore how blind individuals navigate urban and indoor environments. Our goal is to understand the strategies used for independent travel, the challenges faced, and how assistive technology can be improved to support mobility.

If you are completely blind and navigate independently primarily using a mobility cane, we invite you to participate. Your insights will help shape the future of accessible navigation tools.

Study Details:

  *   What’s involved? A 45 to 60-minute survey about your navigation experiences, challenges, and strategies.

  *   Focus: Real-world navigation scenarios, assistive technology preferences, and mobility techniques.

  *   Confidentiality: Your responses will remain confidential and used only for research purposes.

  *   Compensation: Participants will receive $30 in Amazon gift cards.

  *   There are no direct benefits for participating, but your valuable input will contribute to research aimed at improving accessibility and assistive technology for blind individuals.

Eligibility Criteria:

  *   Must be completely blind.

  *   Must be proficient in using a mobility cane for independent navigation.

  *   Must be 18 years or older.

How to Participate:

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested, please reply to this email with the following information:

  1.  Confirm that you are completely blind and proficient in using a mobility cane.

  2.  Confirm that you are 18 years or older.

  3.  Indicate your proficiency in using a cane for mobility on the following scale:

     *   1 – Not proficient at all: I struggle to use a cane and need significant assistance for navigation.

     *   2 – Slightly proficient: I can use a cane but often find it challenging and may rely on other aids or occasional assistance.

     *   3 – Moderately proficient: I use a cane with some confidence but still face occasional difficulties in complex environments.

     *   4 – Very proficient: I am comfortable using a cane in most situations and can navigate independently in familiar and some unfamiliar areas.

     *   5 – Extremely proficient: I have mastered cane usage and can confidently navigate a wide range of environments, including unfamiliar or complex spaces, without assistance.

If you have any questions about the study, feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
Apurv Varshney

PhD Student

Bionic Vision Lab (https://bionicvisionlab.org<https://bionicvisionlab.org/>)

University of California, Santa Barbara

Email: apurv at ucsb.edu<mailto:apurv at ucsb.edu>

Phone: +1 805-837-4045

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