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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2019 - 09 - 11 - ID#d2ybm9
10
Visually impaired Electric wheelchair operator (self.Blind)
submitted by [deleted]
[deleted]
KillerLag 2 points 3y ago
Never seen an electric wheelchair where battery and speeds are announced, unfortunately.

I've worked with a number of people with electric wheelchairs and white canes. Controlling the speed is crucial, as it is easy to go faster than you can react with your cane. You also have to be very aware of how far you are scanning, because you have to scan past the wheel width to ensure you don't go over a drop off from the side.
aam22 1 points 3y ago
This!

I would add the use of a sonar device. This can help anticipate a bit further as well.
KillerLag 1 points 3y ago
I've worked with someone to try it, although it didn't work that well unfortunately. The sensors are not that accurate for detecting drop-offs, which is the major issue
aam22 1 points 3y ago
I had better luck! Not for drop-offs, but for actual obstacles in public places. Helps with Mall Travel and finding openings to doors.
TheBlindBookLover 1 points 3y ago
Hi. I have heard of some electric wheelchairs with app companions for controlling certain settings. I don’t know if they are accessible. Maybe try getting in touch with an ONM specialist. They are trained in navigation skills for blind wheelchair users in the state where I am from. I do not know if this is part of the curriculum in all ONM Specialist courses, so you might need to ask around.
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