CaringCalm.org

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Topics
    • Adoption
    • Advocacy
    • Assistive Technology
    • Behavior
    • Braille and Literacy
    • Communication
    • Conferences and Fundraising
    • Eye Conditions and Syndromes
    • Feeding and Eating
    • Fine and Gross Motor
    • Giveaways
    • Growth and Development
    • Helpful Organizations
    • Holiday Crafts and Ideas
    • IEPs and Education
    • iPad Apps and Accessibility
    • Light Play
    • Math and Science
    • Medicine
    • Music Play
    • Orientation and Mobility
    • Parenting
    • Research Studies
    • Schools for the Blind
    • Sensory Activities
    • Sleep Solutions
    • Support
    • Tactile Art
    • Toys and Recreation

Getting Around Using Assistive Technology when You’re Blind

Blind Square
 
Affiliate Links

Getting around keeps getting easier for people who are blind thanks to new assisistive technology.

BlindSquare is an iPhone (or iPad) app that uses your phone’s GPS to figure out where you are then delivers information about your environment using data from FourSquare.

Its speech software tells you what’s around you – street crossings, a popular cafe, the library or post office, etc. Not only can this help blind travelers learn more about the shops and surroundings as they pass them on the street, it can also be a way to orient yourself when you get turned around. Where am I? Oh, in front of the library. Got it!

To learn more about BlindSquare read this article from the BBC or check them out on iTunes.

Another cool piece of technology is the ultrasonic sensor that’s being used in multiple ways to give blind travelers information about their surroundings. One version of this is a new “UltraBike” for blind cyclists that uses ultrasound to sense obstacles and send tactile cues back to the cyclist through vibrations in the handle bars: If you feel a vibration on the left that means there’s an obstacle on the left; a vibration on the right means there’s an obstacle on the right, etc.

the sensors on the ultrabikeThe creators of this bike say it’s not intended for blind cyclists to use while biking through busy streets, but does work well on closed exercise tracks. One blind rider points out that he had missed the feel of riding a bike since losing his vision and that stationary bikes may be good for exercise but real bicycles are a completely different experience.

To learn more about the UltraBike and watch a demonstration video click here.

Oct 8, 2013Amber Bobnar
What are your thoughts?

Brain Development in Kids Born BlindDisney Creates Touch Screens with Tactile Feedback
You Might Also Like
Feelif is making photos and the environment more accessible for kids who are blind!
How access to an ipad can change a blind child’s life
Amber Bobnar

I'm mom to Ivan and founder of WonderBaby.org

7 years ago Assistive Technology, iPad Apps and Accessibility, Orientation and Mobility
1376
Find us on…

Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram


How to organize your IEP paperwork
Most Popular Posts
Ivan with his touch book

Make Your Own Touch Book!

16788
A stubborn toddler doing potty training

How to Potty Train a Stubborn Toddler

14697
Ivan playing on his iPad

5 Ways to Get a Free iPad for Your Special Needs Child!

13332
braille blocks, puzzles and buttons

25 Braille Toys for Kids Who are Blind

12662
sleeping Ivan

Help! My Baby Won’t Sleep!

11108

About
WonderBaby.org

WonderBaby.org is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Learn more.

Keep in Touch

Contacting WonderBaby.org is easy! Just send a message to the email below or reach out through social media. Hope to hear from you soon!

Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram

Email: help@wonderbaby.org

Learn More

Learn more about our family, our website and how you can become part of the WonderBaby.org team!

  • Our Story
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • WonderBaby.org Printable Flyer
  • Advertise with Us
  • Accessibility Options
Translations

At WonderBaby.org we are here to support parents and caregivers of young children who are blind all over the world!

  • Arabic Resources: مصادر عربية
  • Spanish Resources: Recursos en Español
  • Dutch Resources: Informatie in het Nederlands

Learn more about our translations.

© 2006-2020 WonderBaby.org • PO Box 682 Watertown MA 02471 USA