Introduction: This study investigated the user requirements of individuals with visual impairments regarding the information to be included in orientation and mobility (O&M) aids in order for optimally useful audio-tactile maps of campuses to be developed. In addition, this study aimed at investigating the importance (usefulness) that individuals with visual impairments attribute to environmental information of campuses. Methods: The researchers listed 213 pieces of environmental information concerning campuses and address them in survey by conducting a respective questionnaire. Participants were asked to evaluate the information, regarding the importance or usefulness of the information in regard to safety, location of services, and orientation and wayfinding during movement. Through convenience sampling 115 adults (aged from 18 to 64 years) with visual impairments from four countries (Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Germany) took part in the research. Results: Pieces of environmental information, sorted in descending order starting with the most useful ones, have been listed. A repeated measures analysis of variance yielded a significant main effect for the type of information (safety, location of services, and wayfinding and orientation): F(2, 228) = 70.868, p < .001. Discussion: This study resulted in the specification of the most significant or useful information that should be included in O&M aids of campuses for individuals with visual impairments. Implications for practitioners: The results of this study will hold the interest of developers of O&M aids, O&M practitioners, rehabilitation teachers, and instructors who design and construct O&M aids. Moreover, the context for appropriately designed tactile or audio-tactile maps for campuses is provided, and campuses around the world could rely on this study for the creation of a valuable accessibility aid.

中文翻译：

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使用定向和行动辅助设备导航校园的视障人士所需的环境信息

简介：本研究调查了视障人士的用户对定向和移动 (O&M) 辅助工具中包含的信息的需求，以便开发最有用的校园音频触觉地图。此外，本研究旨在调查视障人士对校园环境信息的重要性（有用性）。方法：研究人员列出了213条校园环境信息，并通过问卷调查的方式进行了调查。参与者被要求评估信息，评估信息在安全性、服务位置以及移动过程中的方向和寻路方面的重要性或有用性。通过便利抽样，来自四个国家（希腊、塞浦路斯、土耳其和德国）的 115 名视力障碍成年人（18 至 64 岁）参与了这项研究。结果：已列出环境信息，从最有用的开始按降序排列。方差的重复测量分析对信息类型（安全、服务位置、寻路和方向）产生了显着的主效应：F(2, 228) = 70.868, p < .001。讨论：本研究确定了最重要或最有用的信息，这些信息应包含在校园的 O&M 辅助工具中，供视力障碍者使用。对从业者的影响：本研究的结果将引起 O&M 辅助设备开发者、O&M 从业者、康复教师、以及设计和构建 O&M 辅助工具的讲师。此外，还提供了为校园适当设计的触觉或听觉触觉地图的背景，世界各地的校园都可以依靠这项研究来创建有价值的无障碍辅助工具。