Fast, accurate reaching movements with a visual-to-auditory sensory substitution device

Abstract

Our findings combine with previous brain-imaging studies to support a theory of a modality-independent representation of spatial information. Task-specificity, rather than modality-specificity, of brain functions is crucially important for the rehabilitative use of SSDs in the blind and the visually impaired. We present the first direct comparison between movement trajectories performed with an SSD and ones performed under visual guidance. The accuracy level reached in this study demonstrates the potential applicability of using the visual-to-auditory SSD for performance of daily tasks which require fast, accurate reaching movements, and indicates a potential for rehabilitative use of the device.