Survey on Optimization of Walking Assistive Device for Evacuation and Realization of Fire for Visually Impaired

Abstract

To develop a walking aid tool that can help the visually impaired to evacuate in the event of fire, a questionnaire was devised and 100 visually impaired people were surveyed. The questionnaire was divided into four categories: fire safety education and training, self-evacuation in the event of fire, direction checking method, and applicability of an auxiliary evacuation tool. The questionnaire was conducted through a web survey and was followed by an in-depth interview with the visually impaired. The questionnaire results indicated that the respondents prefer wristband-type and conventional cane-type aid tools, which are convenient to wear and render both hands free, as evacuation walking aid tools as well as voice and touch as information sharing methods.