Creating advanced tactile aids for blind individuals
Testing Tactile Aids With Blind Subjects
This study is testing new tactile aids made from special materials to see if they help blind and low vision individuals recognize objects better and faster than regular tactile aids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT06237829 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance tactile aids for blind and low vision individuals by utilizing materials chemistry to develop richer tactile sensations, moving beyond traditional physical bumps and textures. The study will evaluate how effectively participants can identify objects made from these innovative tactile materials compared to conventional tactile aids. Key outcomes include the speed of task completion and the variety of categories participants can recognize. By improving the design of tactile aids, the study seeks to increase independence and access to information for visually impaired individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have been blind or visually impaired for over 10 years and regularly use tactile aids.
Not a fit: Patients with limb conditions affecting hand use will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could significantly improve the ability of blind and low vision individuals to access and interpret complex information.
How similar studies have performed: While tactile aids have been traditionally used, this innovative approach using materials chemistry is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Visual Impairment: Participants should be blind or visually impaired for greater than 10 years, either congenitally or acquired. * Tactile Aid Usage: Participants must use tactile aids regularly. * Mathematical Knowledge: Participants should have a basic understanding of mathematical plots, equivalent to at least high school geometry. Exclusion Criteria: \- Limb Conditions: Participants with amputations or outer extremity conditions affecting hand use will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware — Newark, Delaware, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.