Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Navigation or GPS devices that are 'cane" connected (self.Blind)
submitted by CAHWY17
Hi everyone and I hope your day is awesome. A few years ago a number of companies had started development on GPS for the blind. These devices attached to our cane's and talk us to our destination. I know some did certain cities to provide mass transit assistance(like standing at the right place on the street). Does anyone have any experience or overall up data on this field? TIA
Marconius 3 points 3y ago
Yes, the overwhelming consensus is that we blind folks don't want technology like this. There have been many posts about it in this sub along with research studies and the companies posting here asking as to why and there have been a myriad of responses. In a nutshell:
* It's expensive and a bad idea to put expensive tech on a cane that takes a good deal of physical punishment day in and day out, can break, be run over, etc.
* None of the smart cane options considered weatherproofing.
* Most of us already have smartphones that have this technology and do it well with plenty of apps that help with overall turn-by-turn and beacon-based navigation. Why add more tech to what we are already bringing with us out and about?
* Tactile vibration and noise coming from the cane would interfere with tactile sensations from the tip and cause a distraction while trying to navigate.
Those are some of the main points, and I am sure others have their own issues as well.
* It's expensive and a bad idea to put expensive tech on a cane that takes a good deal of physical punishment day in and day out, can break, be run over, etc.
* None of the smart cane options considered weatherproofing.
* Most of us already have smartphones that have this technology and do it well with plenty of apps that help with overall turn-by-turn and beacon-based navigation. Why add more tech to what we are already bringing with us out and about?
* Tactile vibration and noise coming from the cane would interfere with tactile sensations from the tip and cause a distraction while trying to navigate.
Those are some of the main points, and I am sure others have their own issues as well.
CAHWY17 [OP] 1 points 3y ago
Cool and thank you for the reply, I only ask since a few years ago a foundation I was part of funded a program. I agree since my cane while robust is more weapon(as I said before) than aid half the time, an A*hole detector would be awesome. I use my phone app as well. Thanks again.
BlueRock956 1 points 3y ago
Use the cane properly and it'll detect any hole in front of you. :If you are walking and the cane is at an appropriate length, you'll have enough time to react and stop before you step in the hole.
CloudyBeep 1 points 3y ago
The WeWalk is a smart cane that is on the market. The people who have purchased it generally seem to like it.
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