Spatial Cognition of the Visually Handicapped on a Spiral Ramp With Braille Blocks: Self-Decision of the Circumference

Abstract

Walking environment for visually handicapped people has improved. However, the present condition of pedestrian spaces still causes difficulty for them. A good sample is a spiral ramp. In this study, we put yellow-colored braille blocks on a spiral ramp, and surveyed the spatial cognition of visually handicapped people to improve the ramp. To clarify the characteristics of spatial cognition and search behavior, experiments were performed using 32 different courses. Subjects were visually handicapped people and eye-masked people with ordinary vision. The search behavior of the two groups was compared and analyzed by walking locus and observation; and the spatial cognition, by interview and observation.

Evaluation of Layouts for Braille Guidance Blocks under Different Situations in Sports Facilities

“…There have also been studies concerning installation locations of Braille guidance blocks. For instance, Yamada and Kametani (Yamada & Kametani, 2015) examined the influence of Braille guidance blocks on visually impaired people's ascent and descent of spiral ramps. This study reported that the installation of Braille guidance blocks led to grasping the handle while going around on the spiral ramp and maintaining sense of direction during ascent and descent.…”