Blind Foundation Media Release & Launch Invitation

Blind Foundation Media Release & Launch Invitation

The Blind Foundation is about to trial a new technology app which would open up a whole new world of accessibility for Kiwis who are blind or have low vision.

On Wednesday 30 September, the Blind Foundation will officially launch its trial of iBeacons in conjunction with its Canadian counterpart CNIB.

The project is the result of collaboration between the Blind Foundation and CNIB working with accessible software company U-R-Able and software developer Ilkka Pirttimaa at MIPsoft.

The New Zealand launch will take place in the Blind Foundation Wellington office on Wednesday 30thSeptember at 9.00am.

There will be a video presentation and an onsite demonstration followed by a question and answer session with the Blind Foundation’s own Director of Strategic Relations and Accessibility Neil Jarvis.

iBeacons, which are about the size of a matchbox, have been installed at key points within the Wellington office and use blue tooth technology to emit signals when users of the ios app BlindSquare come within a metre.

Each iBeacon unit is pre-loaded with specific location information which is transmitted to the user via the phone’s voice-over function.

“This trial will give both Blind Foundation staff and clients the chance to test the new technology as well as showcase it to best effect for other future partners” explains Mr Jarvis.

“The ultimate aim would be to have iBeacons installed in other Foundation offices and eventually in public spaces such as airports, train stations and shopping centres.

It would provide a seamless complement to BlindSquare’s existing ability to guide people when they’re outside” says Mr Jarvis.

Outdoors BlindSquare uses popular app FourSquare, GPS and the smart phone’s compass setting to help people who are blind or of low vision retrieve useful information when they enter unfamiliar areas.

The app can already be used outside anywhere in New Zealand and is well established overseas.

The benefits of BlindSquare and iBeacon technology to the lives of blind and low vision people will be vast.

The indoor version of the BlindSquare app is free and the outdoor version of the app costs around $40.

Both versions are available from the iTunes store.

ENDS

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