Interpersonal Safety

Interpersonal safety refers to protection from threats of bodily harm caused by other people, such as assault, harassment, or violence. For people with disabilities, interpersonal safety presents distinct challenges because visual or auditory cues used to assess threats from others may be inaccessible. Research has shown that people who are blind are nearly twice as likely to be victims of violent crime compared to people without disabilities, yet assistive technology research has historically focused on environmental safety and obstacle avoidance rather than threats posed by other people. Interpersonal safety concerns include assessing strangers' intentions, communicating with law enforcement, describing suspects, and navigating crowded or unfamiliar spaces.