Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Echolocation (self.Blind)
submitted by blondonblond1
I was listening to Daniel Kish Ted-talk. Kish and many researchers believe that echolocation produces images similar to sight, and allows the visually impaired to transcend the limited expectations of society.
How common is this technique? Anyone here who use echolocation?
I also read in Wired that ordinary people with no special skills can use tongue clicks to visualize objects by listening to the way sound echoes off their surroundings. https://www.wired.com/2009/06/echolocation/
How common is this technique? Anyone here who use echolocation?
I also read in Wired that ordinary people with no special skills can use tongue clicks to visualize objects by listening to the way sound echoes off their surroundings. https://www.wired.com/2009/06/echolocation/
Warthil 7 points 5y ago
My personal feeling is that Daniel Kish over hypes echolocation for others. If it works for him that is great. I also find some of his claims hard to believe.
I am able to transcend the limited expectations of society without tongue clicks and echolocation. Besides, I can do something Daniel Kish can't! I can walk and talk at the same time. No tongue clicks means an easier conversation with others while walking.
That said, I think devices using echolocation have a great deal of value. They don't replace my cane but do an amazing job identifying upcoming barriers. Especially a barrier that a cane would miss like a low hanging sign. I have a Buzz Clip. It is cool. It does provide me with more safety when walking as a supplement to the cane.
I am able to transcend the limited expectations of society without tongue clicks and echolocation. Besides, I can do something Daniel Kish can't! I can walk and talk at the same time. No tongue clicks means an easier conversation with others while walking.
That said, I think devices using echolocation have a great deal of value. They don't replace my cane but do an amazing job identifying upcoming barriers. Especially a barrier that a cane would miss like a low hanging sign. I have a Buzz Clip. It is cool. It does provide me with more safety when walking as a supplement to the cane.
KillerLag 3 points 5y ago
In the 9 years I've been teaching O&M, I've only ever met one person who can do echolocation well when travelling (can identify corridors even with ambient noise), and even he still used a cane.
I have seen a number of children who use the technique to learn more about their environment (size of the area, how full it is, etc) and occasionally locate some objects, but not consistently.
I have seen a number of children who use the technique to learn more about their environment (size of the area, how full it is, etc) and occasionally locate some objects, but not consistently.
Warthil 1 points 5y ago
I am curious. In o&m do you see more people using the electronic devices like the buzz clip or other items like it?
KillerLag 1 points 5y ago
We got the prototype Buzz clip to try out before it went into production. It was interesting, but we found it wasn't the easiest to use. Especially if you wear it on outer layers like a coat.
The vast majority of electronic aids I see people using is currently Blindsquare, usually with Aftershokz headphones. And even that is not common. Most of my clients don't use other electronic devices (but also remember, most of my clients are 65+ and not always proficient in newer technologies).
The vast majority of electronic aids I see people using is currently Blindsquare, usually with Aftershokz headphones. And even that is not common. Most of my clients don't use other electronic devices (but also remember, most of my clients are 65+ and not always proficient in newer technologies).
Warthil 2 points 5y ago
I laughed when I read your post. I thought it was me with layered clothing. Good to hear others had that problem. Clothing definitely insulates the vibration. In the end with winter clothing if I decide to wear it I wear it on a winter jacket pocket - not perfect placement. I put a couple of empty altoid tins in the pocket and it seems to transmit the vibration better. I find it is a cool gadget but I like gadgets. It is also pretty much useless in high traffic areas.
KillerLag 1 points 5y ago
Yeah, I'm up in Canada, so puffy coats and layers are pretty common. Something solid would definitely help to transmit the vibrations.
BandGS88 1 points 5y ago
Anyone who tells you echolocation can replace sight is crazy. That said, I use echolocation all the time, and it acts more like a collision avoidance system. Echolocation works well alongside a cane. It allows you to avoid overhangs, and in some circumstances it can take the place of a cane. I think echolocation should be viewed as just another tool to help navigate. If you can use echolocation, great!If you can’t, then find another tool that works for you.
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