Category: Built Environment
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.
Boost Accessibility, Inclusion, and Community Engagement by Partnering with Gateway Navigation to Offer Aira Explorer
For businesses, universities, and public service organizations, accessibility isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an opportunity to create a more inclusive experience for all. Integrating Aira Explorer as part of your business accessibility plan provides a concrete, measurable way to empower customers, employees, students, and visitors who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf. Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. is dedicated to helping businesses implement Aira Explorer through social procurement, engaging communities, and developing impactful data on accessibility and inclusion.
Here’s why offering Aira Explorer can transform the accessibility of your services and make a powerful impact on your community.
Aira Explorer: A Proven Solution for Accessibility
Aira Explorer is a cutting-edge assistive technology that connects users who are blind or have low vision to professionally trained agents who provide real-time, on-demand visual support. Aira is currently available across 250 businesses in the U.S., including airports, banks, retail stores, enterprise software companies, and government agencies. These organizations are leading the way in accessibility, empowering users to confidently navigate spaces, interact with services, and make the most of their experience.
Some of the most recognizable brands offering Aira Explorer include:
- Airports such as Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR), where travellers can receive navigational support, flight information, and assistance in locating amenities.
- Retail giants like Target and Walgreens, enhancing the shopping experience for customers by helping them find products and navigate stores.
- Financial institutions like TD Bank and Bank of America that enable clients to independently manage banking needs both in-branch and at ATM kiosks.
- Aira also recently launched Aira ASL at Minneapolis, St. Paul Airport (MSP(, the first service to offer on-demand American Sign Language interpretation, making MSP a leader in serving both the BLV (Blind and Low Vision) and deaf communities.
Gateway Navigation: Your Partner for Social Procurement and Community Engagement
Through a partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., businesses can integrate Aira into their accessibility strategies as part of a social procurement initiative. Social procurement means sourcing products and services with a broader social benefit in mind, particularly focusing on engagement with the community and inclusive service design.
Here’s how Gateway Navigation can support your accessibility initiatives with Aira:
- Customized Implementation: We work closely with your organization to identify areas where Aira can make the most impact, whether for employees, customers, students, or visitors.
- Data-Driven Insights: By implementing Aira, you’ll collect measurable data on service usage, customer satisfaction, and overall accessibility impact. This data can be invaluable in refining your accessibility efforts and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity.
- Community Engagement: Implementing Aira with Gateway Navigation involves community consultation and outreach to ensure that services are designed with the input of those who rely on them. This strengthens your brand’s reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking organization.
- Expanding Accessibility Options: With Aira ASL, organizations can also serve deaf customers, providing on-demand ASL support to ensure clear, accessible communication. Aira currently offers support in English, Spanish, and French, making it adaptable for multilingual communities.
Why Aira Makes Business Sense
Aira is more than a technology; it’s a commitment to access, empowerment, and independence. By offering Aira Explorer, your organization can:
- Attract Diverse Customers: People who are blind or have low vision value businesses that cater to their needs and make their spaces accessible.
- Improve Employee Inclusion: Aira makes workplaces more accessible by helping employees independently access information, navigate office spaces, and participate fully in daily operations.
- Align with Accessibility Legislation: Many countries have accessibility laws mandating that public spaces are inclusive. Aira helps you meet these standards and stay ahead of future regulatory requirements.
- Build Brand Loyalty: Accessibility-friendly brands are seen as trustworthy, ethical, and forward-thinking, which can drive loyalty and brand recognition.
Ready to Lead in Accessibility?
By partnering with Gateway Navigation, you’ll take a sustainable and strategic approach to accessibility that prioritizes measurable impact, community engagement, and continuous improvement. Together, we can help you integrate Aira Explorer into your accessibility plans, aligning your brand with today’s leading companies and putting the power of independence and accessibility into the hands of your customers and employees.
Contact Us
At Gateway Navigation, accessibility is our bottom-line. If you'd like more information or a quote, please email us. We’d love to earn your business and add value, but if cost is the only barrier to offering Aira Explorer to the blind and deaf communities, we are here to help make accessibility possible without letting a few dollars stand in the way. If you would prefer, we can also connect you directly with the Aira team and take us out of the cost calculation. We pride ourselves on removing barriers, not creating them.
Looking forward to supporting your journey as an Inclusion Champion!
David Brun
Cofounder, Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
Email: partners@gnc3.com
Advancing Universal Design and Inclusion
We are on the brink of transformative change that promises to enhance inclusion for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted. Earlier this summer, two groundbreaking project applications were submitted to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), led by prominent institutions: the Shared Reality Lab at McGill University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). These initiatives unite a distinguished consortium of partners, including the University of British Columbia’s Special Education Department, BC Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired, and the Institute Nazareth et Louis Braille.
Gateway Navigation: A Catalyst for Change
Gateway Navigation plays a pivotal role in fostering dynamic collaborations aimed at addressing universal design and accessibility needs. With its expertise in bridging diverse institutions, Gateway Navigation is instrumental in spearheading projects that tackle pressing accessibility challenges.
Project 1: Equitable Access to Reading Materials
Lead Applicant: Shared Reality Lab, McGill University
Supported By: University of British Columbia’s Special Education Department, BC Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired
Objective: This project targets significant barriers for blind and low-vision (BLV) students, especially concerning access to educational materials with graphics. The goals are to:
- Produce curated content in alternative formats.
- Develop an accessible online repository hosted initially at McGill University.
- Release all code and documentation as open-source under GPL/AGPL licenses.
- Utilize technologies like the Humanware APH Monarch dynamic pin array tablet to offer interactive, rich experiences in BRF/eBRF, audio, and AI-enhanced audio-tactile formats.
Key Activities:
- Content Curation: Collaborate with educators to select materials for conversion.
- Document Format Development: Create and refine document formats and audio rendering.
- Web-Based Engine Development: Build an engine for interactive experiences.
- User Evaluation: Refine experiences based on feedback from BLV students and teachers.
- Content Storage and Access: Implement and maintain a server-based system.
Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced access to educational materials for BLV students.
- Creation of accessible reading units.
- Development of an AI-assisted pipeline for multimodal educational documents.
- Positive feedback from at least 50 teachers and students.
Project 2: Inclusivity in Motion: Living Lab for Assistive Indoor Navigation
Lead Applicant: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Supported By: Gateway Navigation, McGill University’s Shared Reality Lab, INBL – Institute Nazareth et Louis Braille, Aira Explorer Innovation Group
Objective: The Inclusivity in Motion project aims to improve indoor navigation through accessible digital maps and smart wearables. The focus is on enhancing independence and safety in complex environments such as airports and shopping centres.
Key Activities:
- Digital Map Creation: Develop accessible, real-time digital indoor maps.
- Smart Wearable Integration: Incorporate smart wearables for seamless navigation.
- Living Lab Implementation: Pilot tests at Vancouver and Montreal transportation hubs.
- Public Education: Raise awareness about inclusivity and accessibility.
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased accessibility for over 1.4 million people with disabilities.
- Enhanced public awareness of inclusivity and accessibility.
- Professional development opportunities in universal design for students from BCIT and McGill.
Call to Action
As we await the outcome of these funding applications, we invite like-minded individuals and organizations to connect with us. Let’s collaborate to drive the future of universal design and inclusion.
If you share our vision and are interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please reach out. Let’s join forces to remove barriers and advance inclusion, paving the way for a more accessible and inclusive future for all. Email us at: partners@gnc3.com
Accessible Digital Indoor Navigation Apps: Empowering Independent Travel
Accessible navigation apps are enhancing the ability of individuals with disabilities to travel more independently and confidently. These apps provide real-time information and guidance tailored to users' needs. Gateway Navigation is dedicated to connecting developers, venues, and people with disabilities, including those who are blind, deafblind, partially sighted, or have challenges interpreting visual cues. Here, we review three outstanding apps that are transforming accessible navigation: Aira Explorer, GoodMaps Explorer, and Waymap.
Aira Explorer: Multi-Purpose Features with Human Visual Interpreters and Aira AI
Aira Explorer stands out with its versatile features and human visual interpreters, providing real-time assistance for users navigating various environments. Aira’s services go beyond mere navigation. Its trained agents help users with tasks such as reading documents, identifying objects, and providing guidance through complex public spaces. Aira AI, currently in beta testing, enhances this service by integrating advanced AI capabilities, offering users immediate assistance without waiting for a human agent.
Aira’s partnerships with major companies, educational institutions, and state governments further extend its reach and reliability. For example, its collaboration with the State of Colorado under the "Colorado for All" initiative showcases Aira's commitment to accessibility in public buildings, colleges, state parks, and digital services.
GoodMaps Explorer: Leading Camera Vision Technology with Multiple Deployments
GoodMaps Explorer is at the forefront of camera vision technology, offering precise and user-friendly navigation solutions. This app uses a combination of machine learning, algorithms, smartphone sensors, and digital maps of indoor venues to provide accurate navigation assistance. GoodMaps Explorer works by comparing real-time camera images captured by the user’s smartphone with pre-stored images and maps of the venue. This process allows the app to pinpoint the user's exact location and provide precise directions and information about their surroundings.
GoodMaps Explorer has been successfully deployed in various settings, from libraries to transit stations, ensuring accessibility for people who are blind, deafblind, and partially sighted. Some notable locations where GoodMaps is available for testing include:
- Canada: Vancouver Public Library, Toronto Union Station, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) locations.
- United States: Louisville Free Public Library, San Francisco Airport, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The effectiveness of GoodMaps Explorer relies heavily on accessible digital maps of venues. These maps are essential for the app to provide accurate, real-time guidance. By using detailed digital maps, GoodMaps Explorer offers users a seamless navigation experience, enhancing their confidence and independence.
Waymap: From Nuclear Inspections to Accessible Navigation
Waymap's origin story is unique. Initially developed by Cambridge Consultants to track nuclear inspectors' indoor exploration of Iran’s nuclear facilities, this technology enabled the mapping of inspectors' movements and matching these to exterior satellite maps. This process identified any large indoor areas that inspectors had not been granted access to.
This technology has evolved into an innovative accessible navigation app. Unlike other apps, Waymap does not rely on cameras but uses the sensors in a smartphone, making it highly efficient and adaptable. This approach supports offline usability and ensures low battery consumption, a significant advantage for users on the go.
Waymap's sensor-based technology also depends on accessible digital maps of venues. These maps allow Waymap to provide precise navigation even in environments where connectivity is weak or unavailable. This feature is particularly beneficial in complex indoor spaces like shopping malls, airports, and large public buildings. Waymap exemplifies innovation in accessible navigation, providing reliable and accurate guidance without the need for visual input.
Waymap has been piloted in several locations, including transit hubs in New York and Los Angeles. The app is set to launch in the next few months as part of the Washington DC Metro Accessibility service. Future rollouts are being planned for Canada and other international markets, including Singapore’s transit system.
Gateway Navigation’s Role as a Social Supplier
Gateway Navigation plays an important role in bridging the gap between developers, venues, and people with disabilities. By evaluating and recommending accessible and inclusive solutions, Gateway Navigation ensures that individuals have access to the most effective tools for independent travel. They also facilitate partnerships and collaborations, enhancing the overall accessibility landscape.
Through their efforts, Gateway Navigation supports the development and deployment of apps like Aira Explorer, GoodMaps Explorer, and Waymap, ensuring that these technologies meet the diverse needs of users. Gateway Navigation advocates for the creation of open-source accessible digital maps that can be linked to venues. These maps allow people with disabilities to virtually explore their journeys before doing so in real time, building confidence and knowledge of their surroundings.
Experience the Future of Accessible Navigation
These three apps—Aira Explorer, GoodMaps Explorer, and Waymap—are transforming the way people with disabilities navigate their surroundings. Each app offers unique features and benefits, empowering users with the tools they need for independent and confident travel.
Try These Apps Today
- Aira Explorer: Aira Explorer
- GoodMaps Explorer: GoodMaps Explorer
- Waymap: Waymap
Share your experiences with us and stay updated on our website at Gateway Navigation. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve and innovate these technologies for a more accessible and inclusive world.
Accessible Digital Maps: Enhancing Navigation for All
Introduction to Accessible Digital Maps
For people with disabilities, digital maps are powerful tools for indoor and outdoor navigation, but they often lack accessible user interfaces and crucial accessibility information. Ideally, accessible digital maps provide alternate user formats (audio, braille, high-contrast, large print, voice and/or gesture commands, virtual and real-time exploration, etc.), detailed guidance on accessible routes, landmarks, and public transportation options to empower everyone to travel safely and independently.
Importance of Digital Maps for Accessibility
Accessible digital maps play a key role in assisting individuals with disabilities to navigate their surroundings. These maps offer detailed information regarding accessible routes, landmarks, public transportation options, and more, ensuring users can travel with confidence and ease. Whether it is providing multi-modal (audio/vibration) feedback, route guidance, wheelchair-friendly paths, or locating elevators, accessible digital maps mitigate barriers and promote independence.
Challenges in Creating Accessible Maps
There is no shortage of maps, both print and digital, but creating maps in a common language for app developers to integrate into accessible digital maps remains a major barrier to inclusive indoor and outdoor wayfinding. For a blind person arriving at a building's entrance, indoor maps that only display visually are useless. Similarly, for a person using a wheelchair, a route that omits a six-inch step or includes an inaccessible doorway can be a significant obstacle. These are just two of the many instances where traditional map guidance fails to provide accessible and inclusive experiences for the end user.
Gateway Navigation Accessible Digital Map Pilots - Partners and Collaborators
Gateway Navigation collaborated with Accessibuild, an app developer based in North Bay, Ontario, to pilot their accessible digital map platform and app software. Accessibuild created digital maps with the essential architecture and accessibility data for the venues using CAD floor plans, LiDAR scans, and data repositories. These pilots were conducted at the Government of Canada's Sinclair Centre, Cadillac Fairview's Pacific Centre Mall, and Cadillac Fairview's Waterfront. The Waterfront project also involved collaboration with TransLink and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Despite the success of these pilots, the challenge remains to scale from a few maps to thousands, if not millions, of venues. One potential solution is using open-source repositories of technical information about the built environment. This data can be distilled into the essential information required for accessible wayfinding. We are closely following the work at the University of Washington's Taskar Center for Accessible Technology, which created both GoAccessMap and OpenSidewalks. By leveraging machine learning, OpenStreetMap, and the comprehensive indoor wayfinding information available via GTFS Pathways, we believe these solutions, along with advancements in machine learning, can enable app developers to achieve sustainable and scalable integration.
Overview of OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Its Role in Accessible Navigation
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project that creates free, editable maps of the world. What sets OSM apart is its commitment to accessibility. Volunteers from around the globe contribute data, ensuring that the maps include crucial information like curb cuts, tactile paving, and accessible entrances. This community-driven approach makes OSM a valuable resource for accessible navigation.
OSM Features Enhancing Accessibility
OSM is packed with features that enhance accessibility. It allows users to customize maps based on their specific needs, highlighting accessible routes and amenities. For instance, a wheelchair user can easily find the most suitable path through a city, avoiding stairs and steep slopes. This level of detail is invaluable for planning journeys that are not only possible but comfortable and safe.
GTFS Pathways
The General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) is a format used by over 10,000 transit authorities worldwide for public transportation schedules and associated geographic information. The GTFS Pathways extension focuses on accessibility within public transit systems. It provides detailed information about pathways in transit stations, including elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. This ensures that individuals with disabilities can navigate complex transit environments with greater ease and certainty.
GoAccessMap and OpenSidewalks
GoAccessMap is an innovative project that focuses on sidewalk accessibility. By collecting and analyzing data about sidewalk conditions, GoAccessMap can be accessed virtually or in real time, providing route directions and identifying obstacles that can impede mobility, such as uneven surfaces or blocked paths. This information is crucial for people who are blind, partially sighted, use wheelchairs, or have other mobility challenges, offering them reliable routes through urban areas.
Gateway Navigation's Role
Gateway Navigation supports the integration of tools like OpenStreetMap (OSM), GTFS Pathways, and machine learning to create comprehensive accessible maps. By collaborating with local governments, venues, and organizations, Gateway Navigation engages with people with disabilities to test and evaluate these maps, ensuring they are accurate, up-to-date, and accessible. Gateway's adherence to the principle, “nothing about us without us,” set out by the UN and the Accessible Canada Act on the equal partnership of people with disabilities, not only enhances individual independence but also fosters a more inclusive community.
Accessible digital maps are transforming the way people with disabilities navigate the world. Tools like OpenStreetMap, GTFS Pathways, and GoAccessMap provide detailed, customizable information that makes travel safer and more convenient. Gateway Navigation's commitment to advocating for and using these tools underscores the importance of accessibility in our digital age. By continuing to innovate and collaborate, we can create a world where everyone can navigate with confidence and independence.
Celebrating National AccessAbility Week 2024 with Gateway Navigation
National AccessAbility Week 2024 runs from Sunday, May 26th to Saturday, June 1st. This week, beginning on the last Sunday in May, is dedicated to recognizing achievements, raising awareness, and advocating for accessibility and inclusion in our society. To commemorate this important event, Gateway Navigation is posting a series of five blog posts that showcase advances in accessible digital indoor and outdoor wayfinding that we have championed and collaborated on since our founding as a Social Impact Company seven years ago. These posts will focus on key areas where we have made significant strides in enhancing accessibility. Join us in supporting positive change and creating a more accessible future for all!
Monday:
Accessible Digital Maps: Enhancing Navigation for All
Digital maps are essential for indoor and outdoor navigation, but they often lack crucial accessibility information. Accessible digital maps provide detailed guidance on accessible routes, landmarks, and public transportation options, empowering everyone to travel safely and independently.
Tuesday:
Camera Vision, Smartphones, and Wearables: Transforming Accessibility
Camera vision using smartphones or wearables, such as smart glasses, uses advanced camera technology to enable people to better understand their surroundings by providing real-time visual information through digital text, audio descriptions, or other sensory feedback such as device vibrations.
Wednesday:
Market-Ready Accessible Digital Indoor Navigation Apps: Empowering Independent Travel
Accessible navigation apps are crucial for helping individuals with disabilities travel independently and confidently. These apps provide real-time information and guidance tailored to users' needs.
Thursday:
Gateway Navigation: A Proud Buy Social Canada (BSC) Supplier
As a Buy Social Canada supplier and a company led by persons with disabilities, we align with BSC principles and the Accessible Canada Act, which mandates the principle of "nothing about us without us" for persons with disabilities.
Friday:
Living Accessibility Labs: Innovating Inclusive Spaces
Living Accessibility Labs are real-world environments where accessibility solutions are measured and refined. These labs help create inclusive spaces by addressing accessibility challenges through practical, data-driven approaches, replacing the antiquated siloed approach to accessibility.
During National AccessAbility Week 2024, join us in exploring these innovative solutions and celebrating the progress we've made in creating a more accessible world. Stay tuned for our daily posts highlighting how Gateway Navigation is making a difference. Let us support positive change and work together towards a future where accessibility is a priority for all.
David Brun
Co-Founder
Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
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
A Comparative Review of Aira Explorer, Be My Eyes AI, and Seeing AI from Microsoft
Dear Inclusive Design Community,
Editor’s Note: Generative AI is groundbreaking, but does produce errors often referred to as hallucinations and should not be relied upon as being error free.
As we immerse ourselves in the festive spirit of the holiday season, it's timely to reflect on the strides made in accessibility and inclusion, especially for individuals who are blind, partially sighted or have challenges understanding visual queues. In this dynamic landscape, technology and human assistance intersect to create innovative solutions and today, we explore the evolving narrative of Aira Explorer, Be My Eyes AI, Seeing AI from Microsoft and the integration of ChatGPT and human assistance.
But first, time to hand out some early presents. Here are the download links for the visual interpreter apps (Aira Explorer is a paid for service, but does provide 5-minute free access for those wanting to try it out. Be My Eyes AI and Seeing AI are both free):
Visual Interpreter Download Links:
Aira Explorer:
https://explorer.aira.io/welcome
Be My Eyes AI:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/download
Seeing AI from Microsoft:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
Aira Explorer:
Elevating Visual Interpretation with Expert Human Touch
For years, Aira has stood as a beacon of support for the blind and low-vision community. Its Visual Interpreters, meticulously trained and certified, offer real-time assistance through a secure and reliable platform. Aira's commitment to accessibility is further evident through partnerships with major companies, educational institutions, and state governments, making it a trusted choice for diverse needs.
Aira's tailored services extend beyond personal assistance, encompassing accommodations for businesses, educational institutions, and state governments. The recent collaboration with the State of Colorado under the "Colorado for All" initiative is a testament to Aira's commitment to breaking barriers in state-operated buildings, colleges, state parks, and digital services.
Be My Eyes AI:
Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT for Global Accessibility
A free service relying on volunteer remote agents, entered a new era with the integration of ChatGPT into its ecosystem. This development opens up new possibilities for visual interpretation, with the ChatGPT API offering additional layers of assistance. Michael Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, envisions a future where GPT-4 technology enables users to not only recognize but also analyze and extrapolate information from images, transforming the way blind and low-vision individuals navigate the world.
The volunteer-based model of Be My Eyes, coupled with the introduction of ChatGPT, provides a cost-free alternative with unlimited access. While it may lack the specificity of Aira, the potential for global impact and independence is undeniable.
Seeing AI from Microsoft:
Bridging the Gap with Intelligent Visual Assistance
Microsoft's Seeing AI is a pioneer in intelligent visual assistance, using cloud and AI to transform the visual world into an audible experience. With features like Short Text, Documents, Products, Person, and Scene, Seeing AI empowers users with real-time information about their surroundings. The integration of Scenes adds a layer of spatial awareness, enhancing the overall user experience.
It is also noteworthy, to acknowledge, Microsoft, is a major shareholder in Open AI. The developers of ChatGPT and users will likely note the similarities between Be My Eyes AI and Seeing AI from Microsoft. That said, I do personally prefer the menu interface in Seeing AI Scenes over Be My AI for ease of use.
Choosing the Right Fit for the Holidays and Beyond
As we approach the holiday season, the choice between Aira, Be My Eyes, or Seeing AI depends on individual preferences and specific requirements. Aira's personalized and expert human touch stands out, while Be My Eyes offers a more accessible and cost-free alternative with the power of ChatGPT. Seeing AI, with its intelligent features, provides another dimension to visual interpretation.
The competition is fierce, and the landscape is ever evolving. Users can now take a test drive, experiencing the magic of the holiday season through these visual interpreter apps. Share your experiences with us at email: imagegnc3.com and stay updated on our website at Gateway Navigation.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year! May these transformative tools continue to make the world more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of visual abilities.
Sincerely,
David
David Brun / Gateway Navigation / A Certified Buy Social Supplier
Visual Interpreter Download Links:
Aira Explorer:
https://explorer.aira.io/welcome
Be My Eyes AI:
https://www.bemyeyes.com/download
Seeing AI from Microsoft:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/seeing-ai
End of Document
Washington, DC Metro Transit Deployment
Editor’s Note:
It is crucial to emphasize that while technology such as Waymap is a significant stride in enhancing independent indoor travel for individuals with vision loss, it does not substitute proper orientation and mobility training, nor the use of mobility aids like a white cane or guide dog. A combination of thorough training and location-based wayfinding technology offers a greater sense of independence and freedom for those with vision loss. As technology alone does not replace the essential training and aids that have long been instrumental in enabling independent navigation for persons who are blind or partially sighted.
Dear Inclusive Design Community,
On November 13, 2023, Cyan Kuo, our dedicated leader of user testing for McGill University’s IMAGE Project (link: https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca), found themselves in Washington, DC. With the assistance of Lauren Babinetz, Test Engineer (US) at Waymap, they seized the opportunity to navigate the city's transit system using the Waymap app (link: https://waymapnav.com), currently in the final stages of preparation for its launch. Special thanks to our colleagues, Julian Jackson of VisionBridge, and Jon Fink, Director of Digital Cities Testbed Centres, for playing a pivotal role in connecting Cyan with Celso Zuccollo, Waymap’s COO, and Lauren, who both graciously facilitated the Washington DC Waymap experience.
While Waymap has been somewhat off our radar recently, last month's announcement revealing its selection as the navigation app for Singapore’s transit authority caught our attention. This prompted us to check in and assess the progress of the Waymap deployment in Washington, DC.
As a quick reminder, on May 24, 2022, Waymap and WMATA announced their partnership to enhance inclusive and equitable train and bus travel in the Washington, DC Metro Area. The deployment is underway, covering 30 Metro train stations and nearly 1,000 bus stops.
During Cyan's exploration of two stations and a bus stop, they noted that the app maintained an impressive accuracy level, staying within one meter or less. It provided clear directions and dynamically adjusted the route to account for changes in elevation, ensuring a seamless interaction with little delay in the delivery of wayfinding instructions. Overall, it was an impressive experience.
In addition, the app is free to end-users, does not require an active data connection to work, and necessitates no venue infrastructure improvements.
However, we were disappointed to find no virtual navigation option. This functionality is beneficial for users who are blind or face challenges in navigating through visual cues, offering them the ability to virtually explore their routes before being on-site. This process fosters increased confidence and a better understanding of the venue surroundings, which can be challenging to grasp in real-time navigation. Ideally, the virtual navigation experience should provide a dead reckoning representation of the intended route, allowing users the option to identify points of interest during their exploration.
That aside, a big thank you to the Waymap Team for their innovation and dedication to improving the digital wayfinding experience for everyone.
Which raises the question: How can we work together to promote the expansion of the Waymap experience in our local communities?
Climate Resilience Planning Creates Unique Opportunity:
As reflected in Cyan’s experience, it is not unreasonable to speculate that the leaps forward in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) over the last couple of years are enhancing the improvement of functionality and precision within the Waymap app. That said, ingenious algorithms and smart device sensors are not the whole story explaining Waymap’s effectiveness in assisting users to navigate complex and unfamiliar spaces.
To understand the element that pulls everything together, we need to look at the app’s utilization of detailed geospatial mapping data to create a comprehensive understanding of the built environment the user needs to navigate. This includes not only Lidar point cloud scans but also architectural floor plans and repositories such as open street maps for outdoor wayfinding.
Interestingly, this major ingredient for dynamic accessible digital wayfinding is readily available through a yet untapped repository of thousands of cloud point scans of buildings and venues across Canada being gathered as part of Public and Private Sector initiatives. These point clouds are instrumental in generating 3D models of buildings, providing architects, engineers, and designers with tools to assess climate resilience in the built environment. The point cloud scans used in this process present some interesting opportunities for venue managers and owners.
The versatility of these point cloud scans extends beyond their original purpose, as they can be repurposed by app developers like Waymap. This repurposing involves creating essential digital maps for both indoor and outdoor spaces, contributing significantly to enhanced accessibility and inclusion—a development aligning with the expectations outlined in the Accessible Canada Act.
How Does Waymap Work:
Waymap employs a combination of advanced technologies to deliver accurate and reliable navigation for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Here's a brief overview of how the app works:
- Audio-based Navigation: Waymap primarily relies on audio cues to guide users. Through the user's smartphone or wearable device, the app provides step-by-step instructions, informing them about the direction and distance to their destination.
- Geospatial Mapping: The app utilizes detailed geospatial mapping data to create a comprehensive understanding of the environment. This includes not only outdoor spaces but also intricate floor plans for indoor locations.
- Machine Learning for Route Directions: Waymap leverages machine learning algorithms to recognize and analyze real-time data from the device's sensors. This enables the app to identify accessible routes and provide instant feedback to the user.
- Accessible User-Friendly Interface: Waymap boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface designed with accessibility in mind. Users can easily input their destination, customize preferences, and receive clear, concise instructions.
Transformative Potential:
The Waymap navigation app is more than just a tool for getting from point A to point B. It represents a shift towards a more inclusive and accessible world for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. By providing a reliable and efficient means of navigation, Waymap empowers users to explore their surroundings, participate in social activities, and navigate public spaces with newfound independence.
In Conclusion:
Although real-life deployment and user experience in daily routines will be the ultimate review, my reflection on Waymap's journey, from my early stage of testing on the University of British Columbia Campus to its current state of readiness for commercialization, the progress is truly remarkable. The initial promise observed during beta testing has now transformed into a fully-fledged product. Yet, the ultimate measure of success lies in the acceptance it receives from users who are blind or partially sighted, as well as the commitment of venues to invest in its deployment.
Finally, if your organization is exploring the use of inclusive indoor and outdoor wayfinding solutions, we would welcome the opportunity to join your conversation. Our team at Gateway Navigation can be reached by email at partners@gnc3.com.
Sincerely, David Brun
- Cofounder
- Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
- North Vancouver, BC, Canada