The preceding chapter has demonstrated that vision loss restricts access to transit.
Field tests conclusively showed that there are many
problem spots (in the sense of physical locations) when trying to access urban
transit. User responses that looked at the improvements made by using a
remote auditory signage system also confirmed the vast increase in efficiency,
knowledge, independence, and spatial knowledge acquisition.
Search times were significantly
lower when subjects used external environmental cues.
Subjects made significantly fewer
errors when using the external cues.
Many more people were able to complete
the tasks in the allotted time when using the system.
RIAS users did not have to rely
on others to complete their tasks.
Subjects using RIAS made much safer
and faster street crossings.
Transit tasks were rated as much
less difficult when using RIAS.
Many tasks were rated at or close
to “not at all difficult.”
User comments stressed the increased
spatial knowledge available to them with this system.
Users also stressed that this information
would positively affect their travel.
They agreed that it would also relieve
stress, and increase overall enjoyment and efficiency of travel.
There is no consistent time penalty
associated with blindness, but rather, the environment affects how difficult various
tasks can be.
The RIAS reduced this time penalty
in each of the 7 types of locations evaluated.
Other research also confirms findings that the use of RIAS greatly helps blind
travelers use transit at specific locations such as a subway station, finding
buses and bus stops, and navigating buildings
(Bentzen et al., 1999; Bentzen & Mitchell, 1995; Brabyn & Brabyn, 1983;
Crandall et al., 1996; Crandall, Bentzen, & Myers, 1995, 1999; Crandall, Bentzen,
Myers, & Easton, 1999; Crandall, Bentzen, Myers et al., 1995; Crandall, Brabyn
et al., 1999) .