A novel framework to redefine societal disability as technologically-enabled ability: A case of multi-disciplinary innovations for safe autonomous spatial navigation for persons with visual impairment

Abstract

Autonomous spatial navigation (ASN) is a challenge for millions of disabled people globally, especially persons with visual impairment (PwVI) who depend on either caregivers or trained animals. To enable ASN, PwVI resort.. to simple assistive devices such as the white cane. Modern architecture, increasing traffic volumes, and transport infrastructure pose new challenges and technological innovations e.g., self-driving cars (SDCs) and wearable assistive devices (WADs) are promising. PwVI cannot drive conventional cars. Meanwhile, there is remarkable progress in innovating SDCs and pedestrian WADs. Therefore, this review was motivated by the need to assess the operational implications of the technologies for ASN by PwVI. We focused on the components, functions, and operationalization of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) embedded in instantaneous sensor-platform--algorithm systems. Existing ADAS prototypes and research directions show the benefits of adopting appropriate technology (AAT) based on supercomputing and powered by artificial intelligence facilitating real-time perception and safe ASN by PwVI. SDC innovations can economically benefit pedestrian PwVI. The study used ASN for PwVI to present a novel model; Integrated Computer-based Technologically-Enabled Ability Model (ICTEAM); that redefines disability as a ‘technologically-enabled ability.’ The ICTEAM subscribes to optimistic sociology advancing technological rehabilitation of disability based on AAT, instead of ‘talk-show advocacy’ within social model.

Keywords

• Artificial intelligence
• Autonomous spatial navigation
• Global positioning systems
• Persons with visual impairment
• Self-driving car
• Wearable assistive device