Web based smart white canes for blind or visually impaired people on wetland areas

Abstract

The presence of a white cane considerably aids blind and/or visually impaired people in Orientation and Mobility (OM). Their white cane was insufficient to meet all of their demands, such as marking puddles or marsh areas that would be traversed. As a result, the goal of this study is to construct white canes to aid blind and/or visually impaired people’s orientation and mobility in wetland environments. This study used Research and Development model with a 4D design, which included processes such as defining, designing, developing, and disseminating. The participants were blind and/or visually impaired people living on wetland areas in South Kalimantan. Interviews, action tests, questionnaires and observations were used to collect data. To test the effectiveness and practicality of developing white canes, they were analyzed using descriptive statistics. This research resulted in a produced stick with an auditory capability that could detect impediments such as potholes, puddles, and fires while moving around and determine the location point using the Global Positioning System. The study findings revealed that the smart white cane created has an effectiveness of 82 percent when used with very effective criteria; however, the practicality is around 70% in practical criteria. In conclusion, the development of white canes can help blind and/or visually impaired people in mobility on wetland areas especially web based design.