Category: Awareness

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Awareness Digital Information

Accessibility in the Age of AI: Preventing a New Digital Divide

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Accessibility in an Era of Accelerating Innovation

Summary

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are reshaping how we work, govern, and participate in society. For people with disabilities, the challenge is no longer only access — it is keeping pace. This reflection explores how open and collaborative artificial intelligence can prevent individuals from being left behind in the information revolution.

There was a time when accessibility barriers felt immovable.

Software interfaces changed slowly. Assistive technologies evolved gradually. Innovation cycles were measured in years.

Today, that pace has shifted dramatically.

Artificial intelligence tools improve monthly. Software platforms update continuously. Digital workflows evolve in real time. The information revolution is no longer approaching — it is underway.

For people with disabilities, the challenge is not only gaining access. It is staying ahead of the curve.

When innovation accelerates without accessibility built in, gaps widen quickly. What worked yesterday may fail tomorrow. Workflows break. Independence is disrupted. Confidence can erode.

This is not theoretical. It is practical.

From Barriers to Participation

As Treasurer of a not-for-profit residential housing complex, I am responsible for reviewing financial statements, invoices, and supporting documentation.

In the past, interpreting tables, scanned invoices, or graphical layouts often required sighted assistance. Certain responsibilities felt, at times, insurmountable.

Today, a combination of tools creates a functional level playing field:

  • ChatGPT to review financial statements and generate structured summaries

  • Be My AI to interpret PDF invoices, scanned documents, and graphical images

  • NVDA on a Windows desktop for structured navigation and data review

  • VoiceOver on an iPhone when mobile access is required

These tools allow:

  • Independent review of complex financial reports

  • Interpretation of visual and graphical content

  • Rapid summarization of lengthy documents

  • Cross-checking of figures and trends

The result is not convenience. It is governance capacity.

Extending Independence Beyond the Desk

Accessibility does not stop at documents.

When exploring the residential complex grounds, reviewing maintenance areas, or orienting to changes in the physical environment, wearable artificial intelligence tools extend that same independence.

Using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, I can receive real-time descriptions of surroundings, read posted notices, and identify environmental details while moving through the complex.

This creates:

  • Greater situational awareness

  • Increased confidence during independent mobility

  • Faster response to issues requiring attention

  • More direct participation in oversight responsibilities

When combined with desktop and mobile tools, wearable artificial intelligence closes another gap between physical and digital environments.

The playing field becomes more level — not because barriers disappear, but because technology adapts.

The Risk of Falling Behind

However, rapid innovation carries risk.

  • Accessibility tools can lag behind mainstream updates

  • Platform changes can instantly disrupt workflows

  • Artificial intelligence capabilities are often confined to proprietary ecosystems

If accessibility depends on fragile integrations, independence becomes unstable.

In an era where artificial intelligence evolves monthly rather than yearly, accessibility strategies must evolve continuously.

Staying ahead of the curve is essential to prevent a new digital divide.

The Case for Open and Collaborative Artificial Intelligence

Gateway Navigation’s participation in the EPITOME initiative, focused on evidence-based inclusion and meaningful employment, reinforced an important lesson:

Sustainable accessibility depends on shared foundations, not isolated solutions.

Open and collaborative artificial intelligence enables:

  • Faster adaptation when interfaces change

  • Shared learning across sectors and borders

  • Transparency in system design

  • Broader participation by smaller organizations and community groups

Projects such as IMAGE (Internet Multimodal Access to Graphical Exploration) were designed to provide architectural building blocks that others can extend.

When tools are open and interoperable, improvements made in one context benefit many others.

Preventing a New Digital Divide

The information revolution holds enormous promise. Artificial intelligence can support governance, employment, education, and civic participation.

But without proactive design, it can also create new forms of exclusion.

The goal is not simply access to tools. It is sustained participation in a rapidly evolving environment.

That means:

  • Designing systems that anticipate change

  • Building resilience into accessibility tools

  • Translating lived experience into policy insight

  • Ensuring innovation does not outpace inclusion

Accessibility must be treated as core infrastructure for the digital age.

Looking Forward

Innovation is accelerating. Artificial intelligence capabilities are expanding. Tools that once seemed experimental are now embedded in daily workflows.

The question is whether accessibility will evolve at the same pace.

At Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., we believe the answer depends on collaboration, openness, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

The objective is clear: ensure that no one falls behind in this era of continuous innovation.

For collaboration inquiries:
partners@gnc3.com

End of Post

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Categories
Awareness Digital Information

ReImagining Louis Braille

A digital composite image shows Louis Braille, a young man with dark hair in early 19th-century clothing, seated at a modern computer. His fingers hover over a black keyboard as daylight filters through a nearby window. On the screen is the ChatGPT-5 interface. Text above the image reads “Re-Imagining Louis Braille: Large Language Models, Tactile Literacy, and the Hybrid Future of Accessibility and Inclusion.” The Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd logo appears in the bottom right corner.

AI, Tactile Literacy, and the Hybrid Future of Accessibility

Editor’s Note: Louis Braille (1809–1852) was a French educator who, after losing his sight at a young age, invented the Braille system—a tactile code that revolutionized literacy for people who are blind. His work empowered generations to read, write, and participate fully in society, transforming lives through independence and access to information. Despite the enduring importance of Braille, there remains a widespread misconception that it has become obsolete in the digital age. In reality, Braille remains vital for deep learning, privacy, and literacy, yet too many students and adults who lose sight later in life are not consistently taught Braille, creating barriers to education and inclusion that persist today.

Two hundred years ago, a thirteen-year-old boy who lost his sight in childhood created one of the world’s most powerful codes. Braille.

It became a global language of independence, literacy, and equality. For the first time, blind learners could read, study, and write on their own terms, challenging the silence that society imposed.

Now imagine that same thirteen-year-old in today’s world, seated with a slate and stylus, but also with a sleek computer running ChatGPT-5.

Would he still use a tactile code, or would he explore how artificial intelligence could redefine independence itself?

At Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd, we believe Louis Braille would do both.

His work was never about the code alone it was about access, dignity, and participation. He saw the limits of his time and built a system that transcended them.

Today, people who are blind, deafblind, and low-vision stand at a similar threshold. Braille remains vital, yet new tools powered by artificial intelligence are expanding what accessibility and inclusion can mean.

The evolution from Braille to AI is not a replacement but a continuum of empowerment.

Through our ongoing AI initiatives, Gateway Navigation is exploring how artificial intelligence, tactile technology, and human-centred design can work together to shape a hybrid future of accessibility and inclusion.

These initiatives bring together universities, accessibility labs, and community innovators to ensure AI serves as an enabler, not a substitute, for tactile literacy and human connection.

Rather than choosing between Braille and technology, this new generation of innovators will weave the two together creating systems where touch and thought coexist.

Braille still provides privacy, deep learning, and tactile comprehension skills no digital assistant can replace.

At the same time, tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and other advanced platforms such as Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are enabling real-time summarization, creative exploration, and interactive learning with fewer barriers. These AI systems bring powerful features like natural language understanding, voice interaction, and personalized assistance that support accessibility for blind and low-vision users.

When connected to Braille displays, AI becomes a bridge between tactile and digital worlds, allowing users to read, edit, and converse seamlessly in real time. Adaptive AI guides can now tailor content to individual learning styles, democratizing access to education, employment, and digital creativity. Innovations from platforms like Apple’s VoiceOver and Amazon Alexa further enhance independent navigation and learning, giving users more control over their digital experiences and supporting a truly inclusive environment.

This hybrid model rooted in both tradition and innovation reflect Gateway Navigation’s belief that accessibility and inclusion thrive when technology amplifies, rather than replaces, the human experience.

In our work with members from the blind, deafblind, low-vision community, and with accessibility and inclusion stakeholders, we have seen firsthand how AI can transform daily independence.

It supports communication, assists with writing, and simplifies the digital environments that too often exclude people who navigate by sound and touch.

Yet we also know tactile literacy remains more than a skill it is a right, and a foundation of self-determined learning.

Gateway’s AI initiatives are intended to co-design and test real-world solutions that merge tactile and AI interaction from smart campuses and digital wayfinding to inclusive education and employment systems.

The goal is simple: to make accessibility and inclusion built in, not added later.

Louis Braille never rejected progress; he embraced it, fusing the physical and intellectual worlds into one language of empowerment. Today, we honour that same spirit by re-imagining literacy for the digital age.

We invite members of the blind, deafblind, low vision community, educators, technologists, and public policy decision makers to explore this hybrid future with us.

Let’s design systems that respect the past, empower the present, and envision a more inclusive tomorrow.

For more about our accessibility and inclusion work, visit gnc3.com or email us at partners@gnc3.com.

Checklist for Inclusion

  • Ensure all digital content is compatible with Braille displays and screen readers.
  • Recognize tactile literacy as a fundamental right in all programming.
  • Collaborate regularly with blind low-vision community members, advocates, and subject experts like Gateway Navigation
  • .Keep curricula and guides updated to reflect new technology.
  • Understand AI Technology for Inclusion. 1

1: Understanding AI Technology for Inclusion: Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, such as ChatGPT, Meta AI, Google Gemini, and Anthropic Claude, rely on large language models that process natural language, generate human-like text, and assist users in real time. When incorporated with adaptive devices like Braille displays and screen readers, these technologies become powerful tools for accessibility and inclusion, supporting communication, learning, and independent navigation for blind and low-vision individuals. Training everyone to use these tools ensures a more inclusive digital environment and empowers all users to participate fully in education, employment, and daily life.

End of Document

Categories
Awareness Event Uncategorized

Interactive Event: Accessibility Awareness Week

Come Curious, Leave Empowered: Join AEBC’s “Ask Me Anything” Event for AccessAbility Week 2025

At Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., we’re proud to support events that break down barriers and promote authentic inclusion. As part of this year’s National AccessAbility Week, we’re excited to highlight an incredible virtual event hosted by our friends at the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC).

Mark your calendars: Thursday, May 29 at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET
Location: Online via Zoom
RSVP now

What to Expect:
AEBC is bringing the community together for an interactive Trivia & Ask Me Anything (AMA) session. This eye-opening event is designed to challenge misconceptions and foster deeper understanding of the lived experiences of people who are blind, Deafblind, or partially sighted.

  • Two rounds of myth-busting trivia
  • Two live AMA panels featuring diverse voices from the blind and low vision community
  • Real talk. Real questions. Real impact.

Whether you’re a policymaker, designer, developer, educator, transit planner, or simply curious about accessibility, this is your opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.

Why It Matters
At Gateway Navigation, our mission is to enable inclusive, barrier-free navigation for everyone. Events like this aren’t just educational—they're essential to building empathy and understanding that translate into action. AEBC’s leadership in advocacy and awareness makes a lasting difference, and we’re honoured to help amplify their work.

As a former National Board Member and Treasurer of AEBC in the mid-1990s, I’m always pleased—and inspired—by the hard work and initiative shown by AEBC and its members from the blind, low vision, and Deafblind communities. Their dedication continues to lead the way toward a more inclusive Canada.

Can’t make it live? No worries—the session will be recorded and shared on AEBC’s YouTube channel.

About AEBC
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians is a national charitable organization that empowers blind, partially sighted, and Deafblind individuals to live fully and equally. Through advocacy and education, AEBC is reshaping public perceptions and fighting for a more accessible Canada.

Let’s learn together, ask questions, and leave empowered. See you there!

#AccessibilityMatters #AccessAbilityWeek2025 #InclusionInAction #BlindNotBroken #AskMeAnything #GatewayNavigation #AEBC

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Categories
Advocacy Awareness Uncategorized

How Accessibility Builds Purpose-Driven Companies

Video with CAN WiN & Open Door Group

We are proud to support this campaign with CAN WiN & Open Door Group, showcasing how businesses can champion accessibility and unlock new opportunities. 

"Accessibility empowers people to work at these businesses. The employees there understand that their company is actively engaging with communities. It is doing Tech for Good. It is standing for social justice, which not only makes you proud of the company you work for, but also empowers you to try to make a difference." 
David Brun, Co-founder, Gateway Navigation 

Join us in amplifying this message, reshare and let’s create a more inclusive world!

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#WorkplaceCulture #AccessibleWorkplaces #InclusiveWorkplace #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion 

Categories
Awareness Built Environment

CBC Video: North Vancouver Resident Who is Blind Leads Walk to Raise Public Right of Way Accessibility Awareness”

Categories
Awareness Built Environment

Recognizing White Cane Week in Canada

Mobility, Independence, and Inclusion

White Cane Week, observed annually in Canada during the first full week of February, is an opportunity to recognize the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for people who are blind or have low vision. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for accessibility, inclusive infrastructure, and public awareness about the experiences of individuals with visual impairments. 

As someone who is blind and relies on both a guide dog and a white cane for navigation, I understand firsthand the importance of these tools in maintaining independence and ensuring safe mobility in my community of North Vancouver and beyond. 

Understanding Visual Impairment in Canada 

According to the Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD) conducted by Statistics Canada, approximately 1.5 million Canadians live with vision loss, including those who are legally blind. While many individuals with visual impairments rely on self-guiding techniques or assistive technologies, others use mobility aids such as white canes or guide dogs to navigate their surroundings safely. 

Mobility Aids: White Canes and Guide Dogs 

In Canada, as in many other countries, mobility aids play a crucial role in enabling independence for those with vision loss. 

The White Cane: A Symbol of Independence 

The white cane is widely recognized as a tool that enhances safe navigation for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It provides tactile feedback about the environment, allowing users to detect obstacles, changes in terrain, and potential hazards. In addition to its practical function, the white cane also serves as a visual indicator, signaling to others that the user may require additional space or assistance when crossing streets, using public transit, or navigating public spaces. 

Data from the United States suggests that approximately 8.4% of people who are legally blind use a long white cane as a mobility aid. While there is no directly comparable data for Canada, similar trends likely apply given the similarities in accessibility standards and mobility training programs. 

Guide Dogs: Partners in Mobility 

Guide dogs offer another valuable means of independent travel, assisting users in navigating obstacles, avoiding hazards, and following directional cues. Despite their effectiveness, guide dog use remains relatively rare. In the United States, only about 5% of people who are blind or visually impaired use a guide dog. 

In Canada, many guide dog teams are trained by International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) schools, some of which are based in the United States. Schools like Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) provide services based on need rather than citizenship, making them truly philanthropic organizations. Notably, approximately 20% of GDB graduates are Canadian, trained at either the California or Oregon campuses before returning home with their guide dogs. This cross-border support ensures that Canadians with visual impairments have access to high-quality guide dog training programs despite the limited number of Canadian-based schools. 

The Role of Accessibility Standards in Pedestrian Safety 

Ensuring safe and accessible pedestrian environments is essential for individuals who rely on white canes, guide dogs, or other mobility aids. 

In advocating for inclusive design, I have been using the U.S. Access Board's Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) as a preferred standard. PROWAG is widely recognized as a litigation-tested and de facto national standard, offering robust guidelines for pedestrian infrastructure that prioritizes safety, consistency, and accessibility. 

Efforts to improve pedestrian rights-of-way must also align with Vision Zero principles, an approach that aims to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries. In British Columbia, pedestrian injury rates remain significantly higher than in countries with comparable demographics, climate, and car-to-population ratios, such as Norway. Addressing these disparities through improved infrastructure, accessible crossings, and mobility training is crucial to enhancing safety for all. 

For more information on PROWAG, visit the U.S. Access Board's website: 🔗 Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Link: https://www.access-board.gov/prowag/other/accessible-sidewalks-video-series/ 

How Gateway Navigation is Driving Change 

At Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., we are committed to creating a more accessible world through smart wayfinding solutions, assistive technology, and advocacy for inclusive design. Our work includes: 

✅ Deploying real-time navigation apps that enhance mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired. 

✅ Partnering with transit agencies, airports, and public spaces to implement digital accessibility solutions. 

✅ Conducting accessibility audits to ensure pedestrian infrastructure is inclusive for all. 

✅ Advocating for policy improvements that align with global best practices like PROWAG. 

We believe accessibility is a shared responsibility, and collaboration is key to making meaningful progress. 

Join the Conversation 

White Cane Week is not just about recognizing a mobility tool—it’s about fostering a culture of accessibility and inclusion. Whether through improved urban design, stronger accessibility legislation, or greater public awareness, we all have a role to play in making our communities safer and more navigable for individuals with vision loss. 

We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. How can we improve pedestrian accessibility in your community? If you’re interested in working together, connect with us at Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.—let’s build a more inclusive future together. 

Let’s use this White Cane Week to champion independence, mobility, and accessibility for all. 

 

Video - Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines PrOWAG
Categories
Awareness Innovation

NAAW2024 Post 5: Gateway Navigation and Living Accessibility Lab Model

Living Accessibility Labs: Innovating Inclusive Spaces

Introduction to Living Accessibility Labs

Living Accessibility Labs are dynamic environments where innovative accessibility solutions are tested and refined. These labs are set up in real-world settings, such as public spaces, workplaces, and schools, allowing researchers and developers to observe and improve how accessible technologies perform in everyday situations. The goal is to create inclusive spaces that meet the diverse needs of all individuals, particularly those with disabilities.

Creating Inclusive Deployments

Setting up a Living Accessibility Lab involves several key steps to ensure that it effectively addresses accessibility challenges:

  1. Identify the Venue: Choose locations where accessibility improvements are most needed, such as busy public transit hubs, educational institutions, or community centers.
  2. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work with local governments, businesses, and disability advocacy groups to gather insights and gain support.
  3. Install Technologies: Implement various accessibility technologies, such as digital wayfinding systems, assistive listening devices, and accessible public kiosks.
  4. Engage Users: Invite individuals with disabilities to use the space and provide feedback on their experiences.

These steps ensure that the lab is set up to address real-world needs and challenges, making the results more applicable and beneficial.

Examples of Current or Planned Deployments

Living Accessibility Labs can be found in various locations, each focusing on different aspects of accessibility. For instance, a lab in a busy train station might test new navigation apps and tactile paving for visually impaired commuters. Another lab in a university might evaluate accessible classroom technologies, such as speech-to-text services and adjustable desks. These real-world deployments provide valuable data and insights that drive the development of more effective accessibility solutions.

Gathering Data and Insights

Collecting data is a crucial part of Living Accessibility Labs. Various methods are used to gather information on how well the accessibility solutions are working:

  • User Feedback: Direct feedback from individuals using the technologies provides firsthand insights into what works well and what needs improvement.
  • Surveys and Interviews: Detailed surveys and interviews with users help gather in-depth information about their experiences.
  • Observational Studies: Researchers observe how users interact with the technologies in real-time, identifying any challenges or obstacles.
  • Usage Analytics: Data from digital devices and apps can show how often and in what ways the technologies are being used.

By combining these data collection methods, researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of the accessibility solutions.

Impact on Venues, App Developers, and End Users

Living Accessibility Labs offer numerous benefits for various stakeholders:

  • Venues: Locations hosting these labs often see increased foot traffic and positive public relations as they become known as leaders in accessibility.
  • App Developers: Developers gain valuable insights that help them refine their products, making them more effective and user-friendly.
  • End Users: Individuals with disabilities experience enhanced accessibility, leading to greater independence and an improved quality of life.

These labs create a positive feedback loop, where continuous improvements benefit all parties involved.

Future Directions

The future of Living Accessibility Labs is bright, with plans to expand their reach and impact:

  • More Locations: Expanding the number of labs in various settings, including rural areas and small towns, to ensure broader accessibility improvements.
  • New Technologies: Continuously incorporating the latest advancements in accessibility technology to keep the labs at the cutting edge.
  • Increased Collaboration: Partnering with more organizations and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and reach of the labs.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging greater involvement from the disabled community to ensure that the solutions developed truly meet their needs.

By pursuing these directions, Living Accessibility Labs will continue to drive innovation and inclusivity.

Gateway Navigation’s Commitment

Gateway Navigation is proud to integrate the Living Accessibility Lab model into their projects. This commitment aligns with their dedication to fostering a more accessible and inclusive world. By leveraging real-world testing environments and continuous community engagement, Gateway Navigation ensures their solutions are effective and user-centric. Join us in supporting these efforts and stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing projects and developments. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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Categories
Awareness Innovation

NAAW2024 Post 4: Gateway Navigation and Buy Social Canada

Gateway Navigation: Social Procurement Supplier

Introduction to Buy Social Canada

Buy Social Canada is a forward-thinking program that supports social enterprise businesses that focus on making a positive social impact alongside earning profit. By encouraging organizations to purchase goods and services from social enterprises, Buy Social Canada helps to drive positive social change and build more inclusive communities. This program underscores the importance of supporting businesses dedicated to societal improvement.

Looking Through the Social Procurement Lens

Social procurement is an approach to purchasing that considers not only the cost and quality of goods and services but also their social impact. Instead of just choosing the cheapest option, social procurement prioritizes suppliers that create positive social outcomes, such as providing jobs for disadvantaged groups, supporting local businesses, or using environmentally sustainable practices. This means that when organizations buy products or services, they also help to build stronger communities and support ethical practices. Importantly, social procurement emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities for employment and training.

By focusing on social procurement, organizations can tackle broader issues like inequality and environmental sustainability while promoting accessibility and inclusion. Choosing to buy from companies that employ and train people with disabilities, or that are committed to reducing carbon emissions, helps promote social inclusion and environmental health. This approach is particularly relevant in Canada, where one out of three Canadians over the age of 16 is either a working-age person with a disability or a senior who has a higher potential of developing a disability through aging. By integrating social procurement practices, organizations ensure that public and private spending contributes to the greater good, creating benefits that go beyond the immediate transaction and supporting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Gateway Navigation's Commitment

Gateway Navigation is proud to be a Buy Social Canada supplier. As a company dedicated to enhancing accessibility and inclusion, Gateway Navigation aligns with Buy Social Canada's principles by focusing on creating solutions that benefit individuals with disabilities. Through their innovative digital information, accessible mapping, and navigation advocacy projects, Gateway Navigation helps make the world more navigable for everyone, ensuring that people with disabilities can move through their environments with confidence and ease.

Subcontracting with Leading-Edge Technology

To ensure the highest quality of their services, Gateway Navigation carefully selects technology partners that share their commitment to accessibility and inclusion. By subcontracting with leading-edge technology providers, they can incorporate the latest advancements into their products, offering users the most effective and reliable solutions. This approach ensures that Gateway Navigation remains at the forefront of innovation in the field of accessible navigation, both in built and digital environments.

Engaging the Disabled Community

Gateway Navigation is not only led by individuals with disabilities but also deeply believes in involving the disabled community in their projects. By actively seeking feedback and input from individuals with disabilities, they can better understand their needs and challenges. This engagement ensures that the solutions they develop are truly user-centric and effective. Continuous improvement, driven by the insights of the disabled community, is a cornerstone of Gateway Navigation's approach.

Conclusion

Gateway Navigation's role as a Buy Social Canada supplier underscores their dedication to social impact and accessibility. Through innovative projects, strategic partnerships, and active community engagement, they are making significant strides in creating a more inclusive society. By supporting social enterprises like Gateway Navigation, we can all contribute to building a world where accessibility is a priority and everyone can navigate and thrive independently.

 

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Categories
Awareness Built Environment

Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) White Cane Week – Enhancing Accessibility in Our Neighborhoods

Dear Inclusive Design Community,

Editor’s note: At the end of the post below, click on the link to Margaret Gallaghers, host of CBC Radio’s North By Northwest episode Telling the story of Karim’s and Fraser’s journey as blind and partially sighted individuals navigating the streets near Metrotown in Burnaby, BC.

First, a big thank you to Vic Leach, Pedestrian Safety Advocate with Walkers' Caucus - New West & Burnaby, BC. Who has volunteered countless hours to implement this White Cane Week initiative in British Colombia, Canada.

That said, in a world where accessibility is often an afterthought, it is encouraging to connect with elected officials actively supporting a White Cane Week initiative. This initiative pairs local residents who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted to lead walks with locally elected officials, providing them with firsthand experiences to navigate and assess the accessibility of our sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections.

I will be leading four walks as part of White Cane week In North Vancouver.

These accessibility awareness walks will begin with Councillor Herman Mah of DNV and continue throughout the week with Councillor Jessica McIlroy (CNV), MLA Susie Chant (NV Seymour), and Councillor Tony Valente (CNV). Each of them has embraced the opportunity to experience both the independence and challenges of navigating our streets from the perspective of someone who is blind.

In  leading these walks in North Vancouver, I have the privilege of representing the many residents on the North Shore living with vision loss. With the hope of conveying to our elected officials. That with proper orientation, mobility and blindness skills training along with accessible design standards being applied in our communities. Will enable people who are blind, deafblind or partially sighted to more fully participate in our local communities.

Beyond the immediate benefits of enhanced accessibility, it is essential to recognize the broader positive impact on the community. Improved accessibility not only facilitates the independent mobility for all people with disabilities, but also contributes to reducing injuries and, consequently, the burden on local healthcare systems. Additionally, creating a more accessible environment fosters a sense of inclusivity, encouraging people with disabilities to be more active and less isolated.

During our walks, we will be  identifying key areas for improvement. Focusing on crucial points likely to be discussed for people who are blind, deafblind or partially sighted, such as:

Curb Cut Aways: / Curb Ramps:

  • Orient the pedestrian in the direction of the path of travel across the street and not into the centre of the intersection as has been done in some applications.
  • Feature truncated dome tactile indicators to indicate transition at bottom of ramp, just prior to entering the street level
  • Clear width of a curb ramp should be one meter excluding flared sides. If the ramp is part of a marked crosswalk, the width should be the width of the marked crosswalk.
  • Surface of the curb ramp should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant.
  • Ensure strategically placed wheelchair-accessible curb cutaways guide pedestrians directly to crosswalks. Maintain an ideal width matching that of the crosswalk and feature truncated dome tactile indicators to indicate transition at bottom of ramp, just prior to entering the street level.

Pedestrian-Controlled Traffic Signals:

  • Install poles with easily accessible push buttons at crosswalks to accommodate pedestrians.
  • Ensure that audible crossing signals are not only sufficiently loud but also appropriately timed, providing a safe and discernible indication for those with visual impairments during street crossings.
  • Additionally, incorporate audible locator sounds emanating from the pedestrian push-button boxes every 2-3 seconds to assist blind individuals in locating the button for pedestrian crossing.
  • Consideration should be applied to set locator or crossing audible signals to corelate with the louder background noise during the day and the quieter time at night.

Sidewalk Accessibility and Separation from Street:

  • Ensure sidewalks maintain a clear path, minimizing obstacles that could disrupt linear routes of travel for individuals using white canes or guide dogs.
  • Use distinct borders to signal the transition from the sidewalk to parallel traffic, aiding individuals with visual impairments in navigating the pedestrian environment safely and independently.

In conclusion, let's seize the opportunity presented by White Cane Week to make meaningful strides toward a more accessible, safer, and inclusive community for everyone. Attention to these considerations will undoubtedly contribute significantly to achieving these goals.

Sincerely,

David Brun, North Vancouver, BC Canada

Below is the link mentioned at the start of the post.

Walk This Way: Fraser, Karim and Enzo with Margaret Gallagher from CBC Radio on January 28, 2024.

Fraser Hiltz, Karim Damani and guide dog Enzo joined Margaret Gallagher from CBC Radio’s North by Northwest to explore some of the accessibility issues facing people who are visually impaired. Representing the New Westminster and Burnaby Walkers' Caucus, Fraser and Karim led Margaret Gallagher on a guided walk. You can listen to their North by Northwest segment at the following link:

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-43-north-by-northwest

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Categories
Awareness News

Access Radio’s SoapBox Interview

60-Minute Podcast: discover Everything you need to know about digital indoor navigation

Well, maybe not everything, but without a doubt many of the high points to give a good understanding of the technology and the far-reaching benefits it offers in creating inclusive and welcoming venues for everyone.
Join Access Radio’s, Soapbox host extraordinaire Amy Amantea for an in-depth discussion on indoor navigation, accessibility and inclusion recorded on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Amy is joined by Jeff Godfrey, General Manager, Y4U developer of the Accessibuild app / platform, Brian Bibault, Assistive Tech advocate and David Brun, Co-Founder Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd, specializing in inclusive audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation systems.
Click the link below to hear the conversation:
https://www.spreaker.com/user/10551881/soapbox-march-31-final
Thank you to Amy and Access Radio for providing their platform to help us spread the word on the social, environmental, and economic benefits offered via inclusive indoor and outdoor navigation systems.
For more information and to continue the conversation email us at partners@gnc3.com