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accurate at using the device for this purpose. After seven trials of using the device for this purpose, he was able to identify the number of open
doorways/intersecting hallways with 100% accuracy.
In addition to the skills the student was able to
perform with the K-Sonar, the student's O&M specialist identified several benefits of this device for
her student. First, she noted that her student
walked more slowly when using the device. She
indicated this was a good thing, saying the student often walks very fast, bumping into people
and objects, and the student sometimes hurts
people when traveling at his usual speed. She
also indicated the student spent more time exploring his environment when using the K-Sonar,
which could lead to an enhanced knowledge and
understanding of his surroundings. The K-Sonar
provided the student with increased information
and awareness of his environment. When the student held the K-Sonar across his body, he was
able to obtain more comprehensive information
about his environment. He obtained information
about the path in front of him with his cane while
obtaining information from his side with the KSonar. This led the student to discover objects in
his environment about which he was previously
unaware. This increased his curiosity. The student's use of the K-Sonar also increased his traveling efficiency (ability to count doors without trailing the wall/lockers). Part of the reason the KSonar increased the student's awareness of his
environment had to do with his nontraditional grip
