Self-reported use of technology by orientation and mobility clients in Australia and Malaysia before the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Since the 1960s, many electronic travel aids have been developed for people with low vision or blindness to improve their independent travel skills, but uptake of these specialist devices has been limited. This study investigated what technologies orientation and mobility (O&M) clients in Australia and Malaysia have, use, like, and want to support their travel, to inform technology research and development. This two-phase mixed-methods study surveyed O&M clients face-to-face in Malaysia (n = 9), and online in Australia (n = 50). Participants managed safe walking using a human guide, long cane, or guide dog when their vision was insufficient to see hazards, but a smartphone is now a standard travel aid in both Australia and Malaysia. Participants relied on smartphone accessibility features and identified 108 apps they used for travel: for planning (e.g., public transport timetables), sourcing information in transit (e.g., GPS location and directions, finding a taxi), sensory conversion (e.g., camera-to-voice, voice-to-text, video-to-live description), social connections (e.g., phone, email, Facebook), food (e.g., finding eateries, ordering online), and entertainment (e.g., music, games). They wanted to 'carry less junk', and sought better accessibility features, consistency across platforms, and fast, reliable, real-time information that supports confident, non-visual travel, especially into unfamiliar places.

Keywords: Assistive technology; Australia; Malaysia; blind; low vision; orientation and mobility.

Figure 1.

Fragmented footpath in Kuala Lumpur. Raised utility pipes, steps, ramps, planter boxes, street furniture, litter, frequent surface changes, and a motor bike parked on the footpath in Kuala Lumpur present travel challenges for a pedestrian with low vision or blindness. Photograph by L.D. Used with permission.

Figure 2.

Clear pedestrian footpath barricaded from roadworks in Melbourne. Photograph by Dean Johnson. Used with permission.