Abstract: A computer based process for providing a visually impaired subject with multi-modal (local, remote, human-aided, computer-aided), multi-sensory (hearing, touch), information about the subject's physical environment is disclosed, involving identifying at least one guide; identifying at least one subject; establishing a communication connection between the guide and the subject; capturing information about the at least one subject's physical environment; presenting the information about the at least one subject's physical environment to the at least one guide; capturing the guide's response to the at least one subject's physical environment; and communicating the guide's response to the at least one subject. The system may involve a guide computer, a user mounted information collection system for receiving visual signals, audio input signals, and a user mounted information dispensing system for dispensing a haptic signal and an audio output signal.