Studies on Obtaining Assistance by Travelers who are Deaf-Blind

Abstract

This article presents a brief history of crossing or assistance cards for travelers who are deaf-blind, along with two studies on variables that predict effective solicitation of assistance to cross a street, Although gender does not greatly affect efficiency, the larger size of a communication card positively influences the receipt of assistance.

Safe access to road crossings and the issue of quiet vehicles in relation to pedestrians with a vision impairment: A literature review

“…Pedestrians with a vision impairment rely almost solely on the sounds of traffic to make road-crossing decisions and to stay aligned in the desired direction of travel, especially when making a crossing at non-controlled crossing areas (Bourquin & Moon, 2008; Sauerburger, 1995, 1999, 2005).…”

“…Of the included studies, three were deemed to be specific to deaf-blind travellers (Bourquin et al, 2010; Bourquin & Moon, 2008; Hersh, 2014), four explored the use of technology for road safety (Bowman & Liu, 2017; Jakob & Tick, 2018; Jones, 2006), five discussed orientation and mobility techniques for street crossing (Sauerburger, 1995, 1999, 2005; Scott et al, 2011; Wiener et al, 1997), two explored accessibility and the built environment (Blasch & Stuckey, 1995; Jenkins et al, 2015), one discussed white-cane laws (Taylor, 1961), and three explored quiet vehicles and the addition of alerting sounds (Emerson et al, 2011; Hastings, Pollard, et al, 2011; Hastings, Scarpone, et al, 2011). Seven studies explored pedestrian/driver behaviour and road rules (Ashmead et al, 2005; Barlow et al, 2001; Bosher et al, 2016; Bourquin et al, 2011; Geruschat & Hassan, 2005; Lundälv, 2001; Soathong et al, 2019).…”

“…For example, the literature stated that • • Pedestrians with a vision impairment rely almost solely on the sounds of traffic to make road-crossing decisions and to stay aligned in the desired direction of travel, especially when making a crossing at non-controlled crossing areas (Bourquin & Moon, 2008;Sauerburger, 1995Sauerburger, , 1999Sauerburger, , 2005. • • The 'all quiet' road-crossing technique requires that the O&M student wait for a gap in vehicle sounds that is long enough to make a road crossing (Bourquin et al, 2010;Bourquin & Moon, 2008;Sauerburger, 2005;Scott et al, 2011;Wiener et al, 1997). • • O&M techniques for road crossings stem from the 1940s when roads had less traffic and vehicles were easier to hear and localise (Sauerburger, 2005).…”

“…• • Working with traffic engineers to find design solutions at the crossing area (Sauerburger, 2005). • • Communicating with other road users, including pedestrians and vehicle drivers, to solicit assistance crossing the road (Bourquin & Moon, 2008). • • Crossing only at controlled crossing areas (Sauerburger, 2005).…”

Sensory impairment reduces money sharing in the Dictator Game regardless of the recipient’s sensory status

“…For instance, blindness of the recipient elicits more helping behavior [26] but this effect might depend on the anticipated communication possibilities. In studies involving deaf-blind individuals as help recipients, possessing a communication card predicted effective solicitation of assistance [27,28]. Prosocial behavior towards sensory impaired groups also varies as a function of engagement in the community service aimed to help these groups.…”