There is no shortage of ‘tech’ stuff for the Blind. The idea of having a portable talking GPS system as a mobility aid for people who are Blind or partially sighted, appeals to many. It certainly has peaked my interest. I like the idea that I could explore new routes or areas with greater ease. Having a portable device that would announce “Mumford road …10 meters” or be programable to advise me of my specific targets or obstacles, like “bus shelter #3″ or “building dumpster”, is a tempting notion. There are drawbacks to all this new gadgetry. First, is cost. These items are coming down in price, however, their costs are so high that they remain out of reach for most people who want them. I also think there is no replacement for good mobility skills with a cane or Guide dog. I don’t like to depend on a device that can potentially fail. Call me fatalistic, but the ‘what if it breaks?’ consideration is what goes through my mind. Personally, I enjoy all the quiet I can get. There seem to be plenty of ‘talking’ gadgets in my life as it is now, with my computer, calculator, glucometer, and bank note reader yaking up a storm daily. Would I accept a free trial? Sure. As with all technology, audible GPS systems for the Blind will improve in design in time. They have the potential of being a valuable tool in the arsenal of the Blind. If anyone is interested in learning more about what is available, I suggest going to the websites of the major producers. They include: Humanware, TalkNav, and Sendero’s Group. I have nothing to recommend. It’s all a big, expensive high tech mystery to me. Links will be on the blogroll for a while. They will remain on this blog entry–they are:
- http://www.talknav.com
- http://www.humamware.com
- http://www.senderogroup.com
