Add-on Units to Improve Power Wheelchair Driving Accessibility and Safety for People with Vision and Mobility Issues

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to design and develop powered wheelchair add-on units that provide a long-cane-based one-hand wireless wheelchair control with a driving safety assurance called ‘in-air bumper’ for people with vision and mobility issues. The focus group meeting conducted with four participants (two potential end-users and two orientation & mobility specialists for the blind) revealed that they had not only very positive feedback on the protype system, but also predicted that the potential user population would be highly beneficial form the developed technology.