Orientation and Wayfinding Systems
Orientation devices inform the user of their location and the direction in which they wish to travel; mobility devices assist on the journey. The devices range from simple sound beacons to complex environmental systems. A number of navigational devices have been developed which involved modifying the environment (e.gg embedding wires in pavements, or adding transmitters at salient points).
Considerable resources have been devoted to developing wayfinding systems for blind people with no useful vision. This section contains information on devices which are carried by the blind person and assist in detecting obstacles or mapping a route. These electronic aids utilise ultrasonic, laser or infrared technology.
BarZ Adventures Inc.
3811 Bee Caves Road, Suite 209, Austin, Texas 78746, USA.
Tel: +1 512 732 0135
Fax: +1 512 732 0132
Email: ranger@barzadventures.com
Web: www.barzadventures.com
GPS Ranger
The GPS Ranger is a handheld GPS (Global
Positioning System) video tour guide device. The Ranger can be programmed with
unlimited content including documentary-like video,
audio, text, animation and still photography that is automatically
delivered as visitors approach pre-determined locations. GPS
coordinates correspond to points of interest or tour stops
(buildings, landmarks, exhibits). The
system allows for daily updates and time-sensitive announcements. The GPS Ranger can offer sign language, captioning and audio description. Accessibility information, such as locations of wheelchair
ramps, handicap restrooms or accessible elevators, can be featured on the unit’s interactive maps.
Last updated: 24/02/2009
Bay Advanced Technologies Ltd.
31/7 Saint Vincent Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1005, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 9 522 8872
Fax: +64 9 522 8887
Email: inquiries@batforblind.co.nz
Web: www.batforblind.co.nz
Bat K Sonar Cane
The 'K' Sonar works like an ordinary flashlight except that it sends out a beam of sound rather than light. Silent ultrasonic waves bounce off objects sending back information about multiple objects and their location.
Sonar information is collected from the path ahead by the 'K' Sonar mapping in front and to the sides of the user as the cane scans. The tip of the cane acts as a safety backstop by coming into contact with an object. Scanned objects produce particular echoes, translated by the 'K' Sonar receiver into a unique invariant complex multiple tone sound which users listen to. The human brain is very good at learning and remembering these sound signature sequences in a similar way that it learns a musical tune.
The sound signatures vary according to how far away the 'K' Sonar is from the object, thus indicating distance. The user listens to these sounds through miniature earphones and can detect the differences between sound sequences thus identifying the different objects. Is 10 x more powerful than the simple ETA single object detectors currently on the market. Reduces stress by helping the user avoid objects in advance rather than detecting them through sudden contact. Allows greater freedom of movement. Makes the cane seem lighter, better balanced and more easily manipulated with the 'K' Sonar acting as a handle. Is suitable for either left- or right-handed users. Uses easy-to-operate push button controls.
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Blind Signs, Inc.
P.O. Box 3910, Central Point, Oregon 97502, USA.
Contact person: Rob Cook, Marketing & Customer Services
Tel: +1 541 538 0202
Email: realj@blindsigns.com
Web: www.blindsigns.com
Detectable Directional Guidance System (DDGS)
The DDGS is an orientation and way-finding system for blind and visually
impaired pedestrians. Detectional and directional orientation of the slightly raised
surface of the DDGS or 'markers' can be achieved by an average cane sweep,
a touch of the foot, or through colour contrast for low vision individuals.
All markers will be in a configuration approximately 2 feet by 2 feet.
The individual strips will be glued with test-proven epoxy to the surface using templates so
they will be secured in the exact, correct layout. A set of markers consisiting of
3 strips, coloured yellow, will signify a bus or other transit stop. The
traveller will not only be notified that they are at the stop, but also
where to board the vehicle. A set of 4 brick red coloured marker strips will
notify the traveller that they have reached a crosswalk. The raised markers
will act as a detectable warning that they are about to enter a street.
They will also act as a directional guide, sending the traveller into
the middle of the crosswalk, heading in the correct direction. A set of markers
consisting of 5 contrasting strips can indicate a stairway leading either up
or down. It will act as both a warning and a directional guidance, leading
the traveller safely to the stairs.
Last updated: 21/05/2008
CareTec GmbH
Stubenbastei 1, A-1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tel: +43 1 513 80810
Fax: +43 1 513 80819
Email: office@caretec.at
Web: www.caretec.at/
Talking Compass Columbus
An electronic compass with integrated German and English speech output. At the press of a button it will tell you the exact direction.
Price: €119.90
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Freedom Scientific
11800 31st Court North, St Petersburg,
Florida 33716 1805, USA.
Tel: +1 727 803 8000
Fax: +1 727 803 8001
Email: info@freedomscientific.com
Web: www.freedomscientific.com
Streettalk GPS
PAC Mate users can enjoy new confidence and have fun while traveling near and far with the StreetTalk accessible GPS (Global Positioning System) solution. Paired with a GPS receiver, StreetTalk is a route-savvy travel companion and real-time exploration guide. Based on mainstream GPS technology for Pocket PCs, StreetTalk makes the award-winning Destinator™ application and its maps accessible. StreetTalk can be used with a choice of many popular Bluetooth® GPS receivers. With Bluetooth, the receiver can be placed up to 30 feet from the user – on a window sill, the rear deck of a car, or even on a guide dog harness, so you aren't tethered to a lot of cables or special straps.
Price: $119.00
Last updated: 08/08/2007
GDP Research
Email: mail124@gdp-research.com.au
Web: www.gdp-research.com.au/
Miniguide
The Miniguide indicates the distance to the closest object, via its
vibration rate.
It has multiple modes and ranges (up to 8 metres).
The faster the vibration rate, the closer the object.
The aid has an earphone socket which can provide audio feedback.
Length: 80mm Width: 40mm Depth: 25mm
Weight: 70g
Last updated: 21/05/2008
GeoSensory
Robotron Group, 15 Stamford Road, Oakleigh 3166, Australia .
Tel: +61 3 9568 2568
Fax: +61 3 9568 1377
Web: www.geosensory.com
C2 Talking Compass
The C2 Compass is a miniature hand-held battery-operated eight-point compass with voice output and auxiliary color indication. The compass is contained in a semi-transparent light-blue enclosure. At the top there is the speaker and the activatation button. A three-position slide switch on the side is used to switch the compass off (central position) and select one of the two in-built languages or voices. The in-built colour indicator (visible through the semi-transparent enclosure) can be used to determine the direction in noisy conditions. Requires 2 x 12V battery (not included)
Length: 75mm Width: 50mm Depth: 25mm
Price: US$69.95 (English/Spanish); US$89.95 (with a choice of languages)
Last updated: 02/07/2007
Horizon Marketing (UK) Ltd
Unit 15B, Holme Mills Industrial Park, Britannia Road,
Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD3 4QF, UK.
Tel: +44 1484 460909
Fax: +44 1484 461097
Email: sales@horizon-signs.co.uk
Web: www.horizon-signs.co.uk
Talking Sign
Will record up to 60 seconds of a message which can be played back by
pressing a large button. Enables information of surroundings to be conveyed.
Specifically designed for use in public areas such as museums and also
for residential/nursing homes. Includes press and listen in Braille.
Length: 825mm Width: 496mm
Ref: TSA2
Price: £425.00
Last updated: 21/05/2008
HumanWare
11 Mary Muller Drive, PO Box 3044, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 3 384 4555
Fax: +64 3 384 4933
Email: nz.info@humanware.com
Web: www.humanware.com
BrailleNote GPS
BrailleNote GPS is a satellite navigation add-on for BrailleNote braille displays. BrailleNote GPS software uses a cell-phone size GPS receiver to relay information from GPS satellites in easy-to-follow maps. It calculates position and plots a route to a destination of choice.
Price: From £900.00
Last updated: 22/10/2007
Trekker Breeze
A simple GPS that can be controlled by one hand. It verbally announces names of streets, intersections and landmarks as you walk. Other features include: large, distinctive buttons that directly control functions, an intuitive interface, quick volume adjustment, Built-in speaker, eight hours of battery life. Supplied with a shoulder strap and carrying case.
Length: 127mm Width: 51mm Depth: 25mm
Weight: 0.2kg
Price:
Last updated: 08/07/2008
Trekker GPS
A revolutionary system that uses GPS and digital maps to help blind persons find their way in urban and rural areas. Trekker users can pinpoint exactly where they are, learn about area attractions, and find out how to get to specific destinations. GPS lets them know their location, anywhere in the world, with continually growing precision. Fitting in the palm of the hand, Trekker offers the visually impaired greater freedom, raising their confidence in their ability to travel near or far, for business or pleasure. It also helps them access and enjoy the most valuable and interesting opportunities their surroundings have to offer. The system can be enhanced with the Maestro applications, which provide access to indispensable functions of a PDA: agenda, text documents, vocal notes, contact directory, Daisy reader (Victor Reader Pocket), and soon, media player, email manager, calculator, choice of a second language.
Width: 87mm Height: 134mm Depth: 27mm
Weight: 0.6kg
Price: From £1145.00
Last updated: 18/10/2007
Loadstone GPS Team
Loadstone GPS v0.68
Free satellite navigation software developed for Symbian Mobile/phones using the Series60 platform. Although Loadstone-GPS is a useful navigational tool for everyone, it is particularly useful for blind and visually impaired people using screen readers such as Talks and Mobile Speak. To make the most of the Loadstone GPS program, you need technology such as: A Symbian (Series 60) mobile (cellular) phone, A Bluetooth GPS receiver, A USB Bluetooth dongle (optional), A Bluetooth headset (optional), A Multimedia card (MMC) reader (optional) and a high-capacity Multimedia Card (MMC) (optional).
Price: Free download from website
Last updated: 08/08/2007
RNIB
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE, UK.
UK Customer Services Tel: 0845 702 3153
UK Customer Services Email: cservices@rnib.org.uk
Overseas Customer Services Tel: +44 1733 37 5400
Overseas Customer Services Email: exports@rnib.org.uk
Online Shop: www.rnib.org.uk/shop
NB: Some of the RNIB products have two prices where they have been specifically designed or adapted for disabled people. The lower price excludes VAT and applies to blind and partially sighted people resident in the UK and exempt from paying VAT and to UK charities buying on their behalf. Where one price is displayed this applies to all customers and includes VAT of 17.5%.
There is a separate catalogue available for overseas customers. If you have any enquiries, please contact RNIB Exports Department on +44 1733 37 54 00.
Speaking Sign
This self-contained unit can be used to warn, inform or alert a person to a situation by speaking a pre-recorded message. The message is activated by a Passive Infra-red Detector (PIR) that detects body heat. A loud, high quality, audio message of up to 4 minutes in length can be recorded onto the unit using the in-built microphone or through the auxiliary input socket. The recording will remain in memory even when the power source is removed. It is powered from the mains electricity supply by using the mains adapter provided. The electronics are housed in a light coloured robust, water repellant plastic moulded case. The case slides into a contrasting, black wall plate and is secured by two security screws. This reduces the risk of an unauthorised person removing the unit.
Width: 175mm Depth: 95mm Length: 235mm
Weight: 1.278Kg
Ref: DH155
Price: £29.78; £34.99
Last updated: 21/05/2008
RNIB Innovation and Disability Access Services
Business Development Team, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS, UK.
Tel: +44 1733 37 53 45
Email: busdev@rnib.org.uk
Web: www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_b2b_react.hcsp
RNIB React
RNIB React is the talking sign system that helps blind and partially sighted people find their way around. It has been sucessfully installed in many towns and city centres across the UK, along with areas such as train and bus stations. A number of strategically-placed speaker units are set up around a chosen area. Individuals carry a key fob type "trigger module" which activates the speaker unit when within range. The message given helps users to confirm their location and orientate themselves with their surroundings. RNIB React units and trigger fobs are only available from RNIB. Please contact RNIB Business Development to discuss your requirements and to arrange a demonstration of the system.
Last updated: 09/10/2007
Sendero Group
1118 Maple Lane, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Tel: +1 530 757 6800
Fax: +1 503 757 6830
Web: www.senderogroup.com
Sendero GPS v4.2
The featherweight 3-ounce Sendero GPS receiver connects wirelessly to a BrailleNote or VoiceNote, using Bluetooth technology. "Hot" keys provide one-handed access to Sendero GPS functions. Just type in a destination and select a route. Sendero’s software enables the BrailleNote or VoiceNote to: Automatically create routes for either walking or riding in a vehicle; Understand the street layout before traveling to a new city, using the "virtual explore" mode; Generate detailed information about speed, direction of travel and altitude; Calculate the distance and direction to a street address or intersection; "See" how street and business names are spelled with the optional built-in Braille display. New Sendero GPS packages come with the software, a storage card, audio tutorial, maps, over 13,000,000 Points of Interest in the U.S. and Canada, or other supported country, 1 future electronic upgrade and either a Bluetooth or serial GPS receiver with WAAS.
Price: From $1495.00
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Sound Foresight Ltd.
BBIC, Innovation Way, Barnsley, S75 1JL, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1226 201666
Email: info@soundforesight.co.uk
Web: www.soundforesight.co.uk
UltraCane
The Ultracane is an electronic primary aid, which you can use in place of other mobility aids
such as the ordinary white cane.
The Ultracane uses ultrasonic echoes to find out where obstacles are ahead of you and at
head height.
It converts this information into vibrating buttons in the handle which tells you where an object
may be and how far away the obstacle lies.
This means that when you are travelling around with the UltraCane you build up a spatial map
of your surroundings. You don't have to think about it - it just happens naturally, because of
the way our minds work. The result? You have all the information you need to feel and be safe
and confident.
As a result, the UltraCane:
Has a range of settings, with sensors able to detect objects at a short or long distance in
front of you, depending on your needs.
Has a comfortable, contoured handle to minimise any risk of Repetitive Strain Injury and has
been found to enable use even with arthritic hands.
Can be customised to your style and height.
Is lightweight with a carefully tested height/weight distribution.
Has a fashionable, appealing design.
Is collapsible with easily replaced component parts.
Is splash proof, for travelling in the rain.
Price: £499 + delivery
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Step-Hear Ltd.
153 Yigal Alon St.,
Tel Aviv 67443,
Israel.
Tel: +972 3 571 0794
Fax: +972 3 571 0680
Web: www.step-hear.com
Step-Hear
The Step-Hear is an information and navigation reference point system, designed for the use of blind and visually impaired people. It consists of two units: Base and Activator. The Base is installed in key locations, with pre-recorded information. The Activator, held by the user, vibrates to notify that there is a Step-Hear nearby. Pressing a button on the activator will trigger the audible recorded information from the Base also providing proximity and directionality to the location.
Last updated: 02/09/2008
Takes Corporation
1579-1 lijimacho, Sakaeku Yokohama 224-0842, Japan.
Email: webmaster@palmsonar.com
Web: www.palmsonar.com
Palmsonar
Hand held ultrasonic obstacle detector. Device vibrates when an obstacle is detected. Frequency of the vibration increases as the obstacle becomes closer. Five settings ranging from 1 metre to 4 metres. Supplied with one CR2032 lithium battery.
Length: 77mm Width: 20mm Height: 31mm
Weight: 0.04kg
Ref: PS231
Price: 73000Y
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Talking Signs® Inc
812 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802, USA.
Tel: 888 825 5746 (Toll free)
Fax: +1 225 344 2811
Email: ward@talkingsigns.com
Web: www.talkingsigns.com/
Talking Signs
Infrared remote signage is a wireless communication
system that employs permanently installed transmitters and hand-held receivers.
Human voice messages that identify landmarks and provide information are
heard through a receiver carried by the traveler. People who are visually
impaired, or are otherwise print disabled, scan for directional transmissions
and find their way without asking for help. Talking Signs transmitters
are used in buildings, to identify approaching buses, on bus stops, at
cross-walks, in malls, on storefronts, etc.
Contact the manufacturer to discuss specific requirements.
Last updated: 21/05/2008
Last updated: 20.11.2009 © Copyright reserved Website design: Digital Accessibility Team