Personal prerequisites for independent orientation in space of visually impaired people

The article presents the results of an empirical study of personality characteristics that determine the independent orientation in space of visually impaired people. 23 visually impaired adults of mature age took part in the study. The following psychodiagnostic complex was used: method for diagnosing the dominant mental state “Dominant State” (DS) by L.V. Kulikova, “Coping Strategies” questionnaire by R. Lazarus, Rotter’s Level of Subjective Control (LSC) questionnaire, adapted by E.F. Bazhin, E.A. Golynkina, A.M. Etkind; We developed a questionnaire aimed at self-assessment of visually impaired people’s ability to independently navigate in space. The results made it possible to identify personality characteristics that are prerequisites for independent orientation in space of persons with profound visual impairments in adulthood. The main difficulties in the process of independent orientation in space of visually impaired people are associated with difficulties in finding the necessary landmarks, traffic, the lack of a barrier-free environment and negative experiences during independent orientation; with the inaccessibility of non-verbal communication when turning to sighted people for help and the lack of experience in using modern technical which contribute to more successful navigation in space. The personal prerequisites for independent orientation in space of disabled people are coping strategies such as positive reappraisal, distancing, self-control, acceptance of responsibility, internal locus of control, calmness, emotional stability, activity, self-acceptance, positive attitude towards life.