Mobility

Mobility is the ability to move about or navigate a space from one point to another. When designing spaces for people impacted by blindness, it is important to have an understanding of mobility. This section will provide you with an overview of how people impacted by blindness travel.

In general, people impacted by blindness choose one of several methods for mobility:

• They may travel independently, relying on their residual sight or using a mobility aid. The three most common mobility aids, in order of frequency of use, are the long white cane, the guide dog and the electronic travel aid.
• They often combine their use of residual vision with their use of a mobility aid. For example, light perception can be used effectively in conjunction with a mobility aid.
• They may choose to travel with a sighted escort (also called a sighted guide).

Specific types of mobility aids include:

• Residual Sight
• The Long "White Cane"
• Guide Dogs
• Sighted Guide Techniques
• Electronic Travel Aids