Bruce Blasch, Ph.D. is a Research Health Scientist and coordinates the Center's Vision Research Program. Dr. Blasch holds a Masters degree from the University of Utah in Clinical Rehabilitation Psychology and from Western Michigan University in Blind Rehabilitation. He earned his Ph.D. at Michigan State University in Special Education and Perceptual Psychology. His major area of research is rehabilitation of visually impaired individuals with emphasis in orientation and mobility, including research on wayfinding and spatial orientation. The application of technology to reduce the environmental demands for independent mobility also has been a focus of his research.

Dr. Blasch is a member of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and is active in its leadership. He is a member of the IMC (International Mobility Conference) Organizing Committee.

Current Projects:

Advanced Computer Model of Orientation and Mobility Used by VI Individuals
Bruce Blasch, Ph.D., Vincent K. Ramsey, M.S.
Rehab R&D Merit Review #C2038-R (2000-2002)

The objective of this three-year study is to develop an advanced computer model of orientation and mobility techniques used by individuals with visual impairments. Specific goals in this research are to develop critical features including 3-dimensional male and female figures, options for asymmetrical gait patterns and irregular cane movements, head movement, enhanced environmental representations, and the ability to add the parameters of the different commercially available Electronic Travel Aids (ETAs). The resulting program model will be displayed using three-dimensional graphics with the point of view controlled by the user.

A Robotic Walker for Frail Elderly with Vision Impairment
Bruce Blasch, Ph.D.
Rehab R&D Merit Review #C2272-R (2000-2003)

The main objective of this three-year project is to perform clinical evaluations of the PAMAID smart walker for aging veterans who have both mobility and visual impairments. The PAMAID device provides both physical support and navigational assistance to a frail visually impaired user.

During the project the design of PAMAID will be refined to produce a new generation of devices, VA-PAMAID. VA-PAMAID will be compared to a "low tech" adaptive mobility device currently being used by individuals with multiple impairments.

Field Evaluation of Three Accessible Pedestrian Signal Devices

Bruce Blasch, Ph.D. & Michael D. Williams, M.S.
Rehab R&D Merit Review #C2489-R (2000-2003)

The purpose of this two-year project is to evaluate the effectiveness of three commercially available pedestrian street crossing signals compared to a typical pedestrian traffic light signal as a control. Also, two visual crossing signals will also be tested for their usefulness for individuals with low vision. Although efforts have been made to develop Accessible Pedestrian Signals for the totally blind traveler, little attention has been paid to the problem of developing more effective visual signals for the partially sighted individual.

Past Projects:

A Biomedical Evaluation of the Gait of Visually Impaired Long Cane Users
Computer Model of Mobility Coverage and Safety for Visually Impaired Travelers
Design and Testing of an Electronic Travel Aid for Blind Persons
Development of a Data Base of Cane Techniques
Effectiveness of Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Environmental Information Needs for Wayfinding by Special Populations
Effects of Veterans Affairs Blind Rehabilitation Center Mobility Training on Gait and Balance
Employment of Infra-Red Beacons as Guides for People with Visual Disabilities
Evaluating Life-Space as a Measure of Mobility for Individuals with a Visual Impairment
Evaluating the 'Dead Reckoning' as a Navigation System for Veterans with a Visual Disability
Evaluation of Electronic Travel Aids for Visually Impaired Individuals
International Mobility Conference IX
Predicting Wayfinding from Laboratory Based Spatial Tasks
Relationship of Auditory Skills to the Mobility of Blind and Visually Impaired
Spatial Orientation and Wayfinding in Elderly Persons

Selected Publications:

Blasch, B.B., De l'Aune, W.R., & Coombs, F.K. (in press). Computer simulation for accessibility analysis of people with visual impairments using a long cane. In E. Steinfeld & S. Danford (Eds.), Measuring enabling environments. New York: Elsevier Press.

Johnson, J., Johnson, B., Blasch, B., & De l'Aune, W. (1998). Gait and long cane kinematics: A comparison of sighted and visually impaired subjects. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

Blasch, B.B., LaGrow, S., & Peterson, L. (1997). Other learners with mobility limitations. In B. Blasch, W. Weiner & R. Welsh (Eds.), Foundations of orientation and mobility (2nd ed.). New York: American Foundation for the Blind Press, Inc.

Blasch, B.B., Wiener, W., & Welsh, R. (Eds.). (1997). Foundations of orientation and mobility, (2nd ed.). New York: American Foundation for the Blind Press, Inc.

LaGrow, S., Blasch, B.B., & De l'Aune, W.R. (1997). The effect of hand positioning on detection distance for object and surface preview when using the long cane for nonvisual travel. Review, 28(4), 169-175.

LaGrow, S., Blasch, B.B., & De l'Aune, W.R. (1997). The efficiency of the touch technique for surface and foot-placement preview. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 91, 47-52.

Blasch, B.B. (1996). Point/counterpoint topic: Can persons who are blind or have other disabilities safely and effectively teach orientation and mobility? Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 90(1), 5-7.

LaGrow, S., Blasch, B.B., & De l'Aune, W.R. (1996). Three aspects of coverage provided by the long cane: Obstacle, surface and foot-placement preview. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 90, 295-301.

Blasch, B.B., & Stuckey, K. (1995). Accessibility and mobility of persons who are visually impaired: A historical analysis. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 89, 417-422.

Blasch, B.B., De l'Aune, W.R., & Blasch, K. (1994). RoboCane: The manual. Lilburn, GA: Bear Consultants.

Blasch, B.B., & De l'Aune, W.R. (1992). A computer profile of mobility coverage and a safety index. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 86(6), 249-254.

LaGrow, S., & Blasch, B.B. (1992). Orientation and mobility services for older persons. In A.L. Orr (Ed.), Vision and aging, crossroads for service delivery. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.

Martino-Saltzman, D., Blasch, B.B., & McNeal-Boyette, L. (1991). Travel behavior of nursing home residents perceived as wanderers and nonwanderers. Gerontologist, 31, 666-672.