A Computer-Aided Multisensory Instruction System for the Blind

A multisensory conversational learning facility is described which permits the visually handicapped to share the process and content of instruction of sighted persons. The blind student receives live or recorded audio and graphic instruction synchronously via his aural and tactile/kinesthetic senses. A novel kinesthetic terminal for the blind is described which permits ``visual´´ perception of kinetic graphics. In the classroom the blind student perceives blackboard graphics concurrently with the instructor´s live presentation; in the self-instruction mode he connects to a remote bank of audiographic instructional materials and receives lessons via telephone through a combined audio/kinesthetic terminal. The conversational learning system which serves simultaneously varying numbers of blind and sighted learners is controlled by a mini-computer. Applications of the audio/kinesthetic terminal in education of sighted persons and in research on information processes of the blind are briefly noted.