Feasibility of telerehabilitation to address the orientation and mobility needs of prospective and current guide dog users.

Abstract

Purpose : The ability to travel independently holds great importance for individuals with vision loss, creating a heightened need for orientation & mobility training, including Guide Dogs services. However, the growing number of people facing vision challenges, compared to the limited availability of orientation & mobility services, poses difficulties. Research has emphasized the efficacy of teleassistance in aiding those with vision loss to access information for effective navigation and communication within their surroundings. However, the potential for telerehabilitation in orientation & mobility services is yet to be fully explored and established. Our objective was to explore the perspectives of guide dog users on the feasibility of telerehabilitation for orientation & mobility needs.

Methods : We conducted an online survey with open- and closed-ended questions, gathering demographic details and qualitative insights from 55 guide dog users (M age= 58, Mean Guide dog used = 4, Mean duration of guide dog use = 23 years, Median = 20 years). From this group, we invited 11 individuals to participate in focus groups or interviews to explore the survey responses more deeply. Content analysis was used to synthesize the qualitative data, resulting in the identification of core themes.

Results : Among the participants, 72% were blind, while 28% had low vision. Proficiency in technology varied, with 42% possessing intermediate skills and 48% demonstrating advanced proficiency. Additionally, 80% mentioned undergoing residential training in a group setting, while 18% received one-on-one home visits. The qualitative findings showed that most participants generally embraced the idea of telerehabilitation services for guide dog users, citing its accessibility as a primary advantage. However, concerns about safety, reliance on external factors, individual preferences, and the potential loss of behavioral observation and social contact were expressed. The services' success depended on factors such as technology, the type of service needed/offered, and personal attributes such as confidence and experience.

Conclusions : While telerehabilitation services for guide dog users demonstrate feasibility, they may not be universally suitable for all stages of training. Therefore, the design of such services should be flexible to accommodate individual preferences and experience levels.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.