title: Navigation for the Blind through Audio-Based Virtual Environments.
abstract: We present the design, development and an initial study changes and adaptations related to navigation that take place in the brain, by incorporating an Audio-Based Environments Simulator (AbES) within a neuroimaging environment. This virtual environment enables a blind user to navigate through a virtual representation of a real space in order to train his/her orientation and mobility skills. Our initial results suggest that this kind of virtual environment could be highly efficient as a testing, training and rehabilitation platform for learning and navigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, Center for Advanced Research in Education (CARE), University of Chile, Blanco Encalada 2120., Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sánchez
authors.affiliation: Department of Computer Science, Center for Advanced Research in Education (CARE), University of Chile, Blanco Encalada 2120., Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Mauricio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sáenz
authors.affiliation: Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pascual-Leone
authors.affiliation: Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School.
authors.forename: Lotfi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Merabet
keywords: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities; Computers and Society – Social Issues; Design; Experimentation; K.4.2 [Computing Milieux]; Orientation and Mobility; Virtual Environment; Visual Impairment