Technology

Technology is changing how we engage with cities.

Accessibility has made great strides in the last two decades. Technology has not only developed quickly to compensate for low vision but has also been mainstreamed in the public due to broader applications. Stand-alone computers have been adaptive to low vision through software and specialized hardware for years. The same solutions can be applied to public systems. From the integration of magnification and text narration in everyday smartphones to autonomous cars coming to the road decades faster than expected, these devices are enabling those with low vision to participate in everyday activities. Business has also realized that improvements to accessibility are good for the bottom line!

This page highlights some of the ways technology is being used to help improve visual accessibility and interaction with cities.

Narration

Accessibility can be improved not only through the use of sound but also words. Narration is increasingly being used to provide a description of a location to persons with low vision. Narration is often provided through the use of a mobile device and application such as a smart phone but could also be triggered by a hand-held fob or remote that signals a recorder. These recorders could be installed anywhere but are most common in traffic signals or in a buildings and provide a description of when to cross or location of services in the surrounding area.

Sound

Audible signals, both automated and user activated, have become common at major intersections. These signals assist persons with vision loss in knowing when it is safe to cross, especially in situations where the street may be so wide that crossing signals are out of view on the other side. Crossing signals should be adequately timed to accommodate the walking pace of someone with low vision. Far too often crossings fail to provide adequate time for any pedestrian, beyond the young and fit, to cross safely.

Mobile Devices

Mobile technology, such as smart phones and tablets, has been rapidly adopted across society and has already been of great assistance to persons with low vision in accessing information. These devices can provide direction around a community or a building and can also include descriptions of exhibits or services in written or audible formats. Custom devices could be offered at specific locations, like museums or town offices. Apps or QR-codes that can be scanned at popular locations could also be developed. Reliance on technology, however, should not be used as an excuse to omit more traditional wayfinding infrastructure throughout a community.

Mobile devices are only as useful as the data that is provided in the application or embedded functionality. It must be current to reflect features in the real environment. As a way to ensure the currency of data many applications now allow the public to log accessibility features of public spaces - see an example of the SeeLight app below.

Top Apps!

OneStep Reader - Harnessing the power of digital photography coupled with state of the art hardware, this highly praised app, makes access to print materials faster and more efficient than ever through optical character recognition.

Aira - A combination of an app and support service this connects someone needing assistance with a real time agent to help with navigation. Support is provided through a set of smart glasses or phone camera.

Blind Square - An audio based navigation app that integrates with online maps and the users mobile to provide real time information on their location, directions to destinations connected to data from transit and taxi or ride sharing services.

Be My Eyes - Be My Eyes connects people needing sighted support with volunteers and companies through live video around the world.

Narration on the Streets!