The system you have described has been proposed by a few people in various forms. My concern when responding to these ideas has always been reliability and not wanting to trust a device that could be prone to electrical/ sensory failure or interference. I could potentially see myself using a system like this in conjunction with a cane with the one stipulation that it absolutely cannot be distracting to me, if it takes away from my sensory or tactile awareness when traveling it will stay at home. The only device that I allow to emit audio when I am traveling is my Trekker Breeze + mobility GPS. Every other distraction poses a potential safety risk. In any case it would not replace my cane, I just wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my safety in the hands of a battery.

 

I'll respond to your last questions now:

 

> What is the hardest part of your day? Getting ready? Walking to a destination?

 

I'd say the hardest part of day to day interaction, excluding school related accessibility issues are mobility related, I have very restricted fields of view and if it is too dark or too bright I have no functional vision.

 

>What are you currently using to get around?

 

I currently use a white cane in conjunction with a HumanWare Trekker Breeze + mobility GPS. In June I am getting my first guide dog.

 

>Is your day generally pretty structured or restricted because of mobility restrictions?

 

During the week when I don't have time to spend two hours oh a whim to get from place to place on my city's less than ideal transit system so I usually don't venture off my schedule. However if something comes up I am certainly not restricted from getting there, it's just more inconvenient. For example, I went to visit someone in the hospital a few weeks ago, it took me a little longer, but I was able to do it. I think once you get good understanding of how to navigate public transit and strong O&M skills it is easy enough to do. It's not that hard, but it certainly takes longer than it would if I could get private transportation everywhere.

 

>What types of technologies do you use? Smart phones? Smart Watches?

 

I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 4, I may switch to iOS at some point because the accessibility on Android is a little bit lackluster. I really don't want to, I'm an Android fanboy to the death but I may have to swallow my pride at some point. Anyway, I use Google Maps on that for walking directions sometimes if I just need quick directions and don't want to go through the somewhat tedious process of programming a destination into my Trekker. I don't use a Smart Watch, probably won't ever. I prefer my $1 tactile watch.

 

>If you do use a smart phone what does that usage look like? talking into the phone?

 

I'm not 100% I understand this question. In terms of usage it gets used for phone calls/ texts mostly, occasionally I go through Twitter and Reddit on it, but I like to keep my web browsing/ social media/ Reddit usage to my computer where it is *much* easier.

 

>How is health insurance utilized for being visually impaired? Meaning what tools (seeing eye dogs, canes) are covered?

 

So my experience may be a little different from everyone else's. This kind of thing varies from country to country. I'm in the US, and I have health insurance. Insurance covers most of my eye care/ glasses until my deductible is met and then it covers all of it. That is the extent of what insurance will do for me. All of my devices/ canes have either come from my pocket, independent non-profits or my state's Department of Social Services Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. Canes in my experience aren't horribly expensive, and lots of places will provide them for free along with training (at least in my area).

 

Guide dogs are a bit of a different story, and fortunately I have a little bit of insight because I have completed the application and admissions process to get my first this June. I know we have some current guide dog users here too and they can probably offer better insight than me. Here is what I do know though. First, getting a guide dog at most schools in the US is completely free. The only well known school that I know of that charges is The Seeing Eye, and it's something like $150 for new clients, $50 for returning clients, and $1 for military veterans. Those costs are negligible compared to the price of flying someone out, housing, feeding, and training them and their dog for a month.

 

I'm going to a different school that isn't charging me anything, they are flying me to and from their campus on their dollar, housing, feeding, and training me with my dog for the 26 day residential program.

 

While they will pay for everything during training, the financial burden will fall on me after training is complete. I will be responsible for all food, veterinarian care, and other supplies. I don't believe insurance will cover any of that, at least I am operating on the assumption that it won't, I'm taking it on because I know it will be helpful to me.

 

I think that just about covers it, let me know if you need anything else.

This sounds like the sunu band that is currently on indiegogo raising funds for its official release early next year. You should check that out before you get too far into your project. Might either give you ideas or might give you a new direction to go in. From what I remember, the band uses sonar to detect objects it is facing and vibrates with increasing intensity as it gets closer. It also provides time, pedometer info, and alarms with vibration. Has Bluetooth, wireless charging, and can use tags attached to objects (like your backpack or your keys) to help you locate said objects (vibrates as you get near the tagged object and then the tagged object starts beeping).

Is this intended to be used in conjunction with a cane? Because I don't see how these bracelets would help with uneven sidewalks and curbs. Will they be able to sense signs or electrical boxes that are above ground so the cane doesn't hit them. But your face might? And lastly. Will they be cute? Cause. I would never wear anything that didn't match my personal style.

I use my iPhone 6+ for most things. My biggest struggle is visiting places I've never been before or aren't familiar with. And I'm hoping that I will get a guide dog soon. Waiting for approval now.