Lecture: Daniel Kish and Human Echolocation

Echolocation is the location of objects by reflected sound, in particular that used by animals such as dolphins and bats. Daniel Kish has developed a form of  human echolocation. called flash sonar,  that he uses to navigate through the soundscape and has taught others how to use it as well.

There are three videos in this set including a short lecture at TEDx and two news reports that provide on site demonstrations of Mr. Kish's navigational techniques.

Seeing With Sound (5:45) Daniel Kish is President of World Access for the Blind - a nonprofit organization which facilitates self directed achievement for blind people.  "Though Daniel's main expertise lies in developing all aspects of human perception in sighted as well as blind people, he is perhaps best known for his expertise in echolocation. In this area he has conducted pilot research, and has completed one of the most comprehensive literature reviews detailing the nature and utility of echolocation in blind humans. From this research, in-depth collaborations with noted scientists and perception experts, and over ten thousand hours experience with students of all types and cultures, Daniel created the first systematic, comprehensive echolocation curriculum for advanced training. Daniel and some of his students have applied FlashSonar combined with other techniques to riding bicycles independently at moderate speeds through unfamiliar environments, and to participate effectively and independently in other complex activities such as skating, ball play, and solo wilderness travel." Sourse: TEDx Talks and YouTube.

Flash Sonar (2:55) This Discovery Networks video provides additional insight into how Daniel Kish uses flash sonar, or echolocation, to navigate through an environment using a clicking technique that he teaches to others. Source: Discovery.

Human Echolocation (3:04) A CNN Ideas report about Daniel Kish and his use of echolocation. This video provides more details on the use of the flash sonar technique.