Comparative Study on Guide Dogs and Electronic Travel Aids for the Blind
Abstract
This analysis explores in depth the reasons why the advent
of electronic travel aids (ETAs) for the blind has neither
complemented nor replaced the use of guide dogs. With the advent
of electronic travel aids for the blind, many experts assumed
that the more traditional methods of mobility, such as the use of
guide dogs, would be supplemented. Other experts thought that the
use of guide dogs would eventually fade out. Both of these
assumptions, however, have proven to be inaccurate. For
approximately sixty years guide dogs have been serving as a means
of independent mobility for many blind people in this country.
They continue to serve as a widely used mobility method while
ETAs have, by far, the smallest percentage of usage.
There are two main sections to this report. The first
section concentrates on electronic travel aids. Four of these
devices are described, and experts' opinions on ETA usage are
discussed. The prevailing notion among experts is that, despite
the benefits, ETA usage has remained minimal due to prohibitive
costs. Blind people, however, give a very different explanation.
They claim that most of the electronic devices are not
cosmetically acceptable and that they alienate them from the
general public. They stress that there is a stigma attached to
appearing "too blind". Furthermore, the usefulness of the
devices is often questioned.
The second section of the report discusses the many reasons
why guide dog usage has remained strong even with the advent of
ETAs. The obvious duties of the guide dog are only a few of its
total number of functions. This analysis presents a detailed
explanation of the many important functions which a guide dog can
perform.
The theme which runs throughout this report challenges the
assumption that technological development and human progress are
much the same thing. All too often it is assumed that
technological development and advancement are superior to
traditional means and methods. This analysis provides a more
balanced picture while challenging such notions.