Using Virtual Environment to Improve Spatial Perception by People Who Are Blind

Mental mapping of spaces, and of the possible paths for navigating these spaces, is essential for the development of efficient orientation and mobility skills. Visual ability is a crucial component to effective mental mapping. People who are blind consequently find it difficult to generate useful mental maps of spaces and navigate competently within them. The research studies reported in this paper assume that the supply of appropriate spatial information through compensatory sensorial channels as an alternative to the visual channel may contribute to the anticipatory mental mapping of unknown spaces and consequently may improve spatial performance for people who are blind.