Improving how people with vision impairments navigate indoor spaces
Official title: Enhancing Visual Accessibility of Indoor Spaces
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10936185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a smartphone app to help people with vision impairments navigate indoor spaces more safely by spotting hazards and providing helpful information about visibility, making it easier for everyone to improve their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $624,379 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY036360-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with varying degrees of vision impairment who require assistance in navigating indoor environments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal vision or those whose impairments do not affect their ability to navigate indoor spaces may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the visual accessibility of indoor environments for individuals with vision impairments. It aims to develop a smartphone application that utilizes computer vision algorithms and LiDAR technology to assess and visualize spaces based on different levels of vision impairment. The app will identify hazardous features and provide visibility metrics, helping rehabilitation specialists and the general public make informed modifications to improve safety and navigation. By making these assessments more objective, the research seeks to reduce risks associated with impaired vision in everyday environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and independence of individuals with vision impairments in navigating indoor spaces.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Yingzi — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Yingzi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.