Effects of blindness on the ability to process visual, tactile and auditory processing

29 Jul Effects of blindness on the ability to process visual, tactile and auditory processing

Dr. Ione Fine at the University of Washington is looking for subjects for a study that examines the effects of blindness on the ability to process tactile and auditory processing.

Participants will be paid a minimum of $40 for the first hour of any visit and $25 for each additional hour. You will be compensated for travel time and parking expenses.

It is thought that because visual loss increases the need to rely on other senses, the ability of blind people to process auditory and tactile information may be enhanced. We are examining how this happens in the brain. If you choose to participate you will be asked to participate in behavioral and/or MR experiments.

Currently we are recruiting the following individuals:
• Individuals over 30 with no history of vision or hearing loss
• Individuals who became blind (light perception or below) before the age of 21

For behavioral experiments we will ask you to make simple judgments about tactile and/or auditory stimuli. You may be asked to participate in as many as 20 behavioral sessions (each session lasts up to 1.5 hours, and each session will be carried out on a different day). Participants will be paid $40/hour for the first hour of any visit and $25/hour for any additional time.

For MR experiments we will ask you to lie in an MR scanner while you make simple judgments about tactile and/or auditory stimuli. You may be asked to participate in as many as 5 MR imaging sessions (each session lasts up to 2 hours, and each session will be carried out on a different day). To participate in MR sessions you should have no history of claustrophobia, and no metal objects in or on the body. Participants will be paid $50/hour for imaging sessions.

Subjects will be compensated for travel time at a rate of $25/hour. Door to door transportation will be provided for visually impaired subjects.

Participant Eligibility

Currently we are recruiting the following individuals:

Individuals over 30 with no history of vision or hearing loss

Individuals who became blind (light perception or below) before the age of 21

To participate in MR sessions you should have no history of claustrophobia, and no metal objects in or on the body. Participants will be paid $50/hour for imaging sessions.

Contact

Ione Fine
(206) 685-6493