Understanding the current learning techniques of wayfinding: A case study at Malaysian association for the Blind (MAB)

Abstract

In preparing blind people to navigate in the real world, they need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills in mobility and orientation. This study aimed to investigate the current learning techniques of way finding for blind people in Malaysia. The study took place at Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) where observation and interview were carried out where the objective is first, to explore the existing learning techniques of way finding conducted at MAB and second, to identify the problems faced by the mobility and orientation (M&O) instructor in teaching way finding. The study revealed that the main problem faced by the instructor was lack of appropriate tools used to describe the environment to blind students. This led to the difficulties in developing the cognitive maps of the described environment for some blind students at MAB. However, positive responses given by the blind students after using an audio-tactile map which helped them to alleviate the problems they were facing.