The Experimental Result of Tactile Map to Guide the Blind at Center of Qualityof Life Improvement for Disabled in The North-eastern Part of Thailand

Abstract

The development of a tactile map to guide the blind at the Center of Quality of Life Improvement for Disabled in The North-eastern Part of Thailand developed and evaluate the use of the tactile map produced from a 3D printer to help guide the blind to access buildings in the Center of Quality of Life Improvement for Disabled in The North-eastern Part of Thailand without a navigation assistant. The qualitative research methods, including observation, questionnaires and interviews were employed. The subjects were 14 blind volunteers, who have been blind since birth and later. They were both those who have been and never lived in Center of Quality of Life Improvement for Disabled in The North-eastern Part of Thailand. The volunteers had to touch the model of the Center, which is big and not portable with the scale of 1: 200, and the portable models with the scales of 1: 400 and 1: 750. The study results revealed that the volunteers were able to understand the layout by touching the models. They could also align the model in the same direction as the context of the Center by using the reference of atmosphere and environment, including the sound of the environment and the temperature of the sunlight as well as experience and Orientation and Mobility (O&M). However, it took time for volunteers who have never lived in the Center to understand and memorize the important positions to be able to guide themselves to various places safely without the need for a navigation assistant, but it took less time for the volunteers who have been in the Center. All subjects were able to perceive the scale and the proportion of the model scaled from the actual size. For the construction of a tactile map, the shape of the building and some areas should be modified to be safe when touching and highlight the essential parts. Braille labels should be used for signs or descriptions. The design and construction of the model of the map for the blind in public areas should be promoted.