(VA 06-079)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to further develop and commercialize a remote controlled retractable cane for the visually impaired.
The inventors have developed a training cane to act as an instructional tool for teaching orientation and mobility to individuals with a visual impairment. Learning to navigate drop-offs such as curbs and stairs can be an intimidating situation and a safety problem. The training cane simulates these drop-offs by having a tip that can be retracted 6" remotely by an instructor.
The purpose of the retractable training cane is to simulate the feel of a drop-off. While using the two-point touch technique with a traditional long cane, the angle between the cane and the body decreases when a drop-off is encountered. The training cane replicates this situation, without the drop-off, by rapidly decreasing in length 6". The decrease in length creates a similar decrease in angle as the standard cane during the drop-off scenario.
The benefit of the retractable training cane is the falling risk posed by a curb drop is eliminated, creating a less threatening, safer learning environment for the trainee. Also, the orientation and mobility specialist is able to introduce numerous drop-off simulations in the training session. This allows for a better teaching opportunity to condition the response to the sensation of the drop-off. Once the trainee has gained experience using the retractable cane, they are better prepared for training on actual obstacles.
The target group for this device is individuals with a visual impairment learning to use the long cane. The training cane has particular value for individuals with a visual impairment who are older and become visually impaired. Older people have slower reaction time than their younger counterparts, making them more susceptible to falling.
No patent was filed for this invention. The VA is currently seeking CRADA partners to further develop this technology.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem Sheredos
Program Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov