Development of Navigation Skills through Audio Haptic Videogaming in Learners who are Blind

This study presents the development of a video game with audio and haptic interfaces that allows for the stimulation of orientation and mobility skills in people who are blind through the use of virtual environments. We evaluate the usability and the impact of the use of an audio and haptic-based videogame on the development of orientation and mobility skills in school-age blind learners. The results show that the interfaces used in the videogame are usable and appropriately designed, and that the haptic interface is as effective as the audio interface for orientation and mobility purposes. © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Scientific Programme Committee of the 4th International Conference on Software Development for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (DSAI 2012)