Category: workshop

Categories
Digital Information Review workshop

Inclusive Journeys

Stylized transit map featuring five bold-colored transit lines intersecting across a simplified city grid. Each line is labeled with a color and a route name: The Red Line (Downtown Loop) runs horizontally from the left (West Station) to the right (Central Market), stopping at key stations including Tech Hub, Museum District, and Union Square, located in the heart of the map. The Blue Line (Riverside Express) curves diagonally from the bottom left (Harbor Point) to the upper right (University Heights), passing through Library Station, Civic Centre, and Medical Campus. The Green Line (Parkline Local) arches from the upper left corner (Botanic Gardens) through City Zoo, East Park, and terminates at Community Hall near the lower center. The Yellow Line (Airport Connector) runs vertically from North Hills Terminal at the top, stopping at Midtown Transfer (central hub), then continuing southward to International Airport Station. The Purple Line (Tech Ridge Route) branches from Innovation Park in the upper right, moves west through StartUp Lane, intersects the Red Line at Union Square, and ends at Old Town Station in the lower left. Transfer stations are marked with overlapping colored circles, especially prominent at Union Square, where four lines converge. The map background shows minimal street detail but includes stylized icons such as a plane for the airport, a book for the library, and a tree for the park. The map is not to scale and emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and connectivity rather than geographic precision.

Two Digital Apps Reviewed - VoiceVista and Moovit

Presented by David from Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. for the CCB BC Yukon Division
https://gnc3.com

Welcome

This article grows out of a recent Canadian Council of the Blind BC Yukon Division Zoom presentation, where Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. demonstrated two free navigation apps, VoiceVista and Moovit, that help blind, deaf‑blind, and partially sighted travellers explore their world with greater independence. The session sparked lively discussion about how digital tools complement, but never replace, traditional orientation and mobility skills.

Learn more about the BC Yukon Division:
https://ccbbcyukon.com/contact/

Download the apps:

Download VoiceVista for iOS (Free): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/voicevista/id6450388413

Download  Moovit (Free / Paid): https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/moovit-public-transit-tracker/id498477945

Why Mobility Aids Still Matter

Navigation apps can announce nearby landmarks, show bus arrival times, and suggest efficient routes, yet they do not replace the white cane, the guide dog, or the orientation and mobility training that builds safe travel habits. These aids remain the foundation of independent movement; apps simply add another layer of helpful information.

VoiceVista: Your Audio Guide to the World Around You

VoiceVista is a free iOS app that converts raw GPS data into spatial audio cues describing streets, intersections, and landmarks in the direction you face. It lets users set beacons, drop breadcrumbs, and create custom routes ideal for outdoor exploration.

  • No account required
  • Fully compatible with VoiceOver
  • Works with open‑ear and bone‑conduction headsets
  • Community‑driven and open source

For more details, read the VoiceVista FAQ:
https://drwjf.github.io/vvt/faq.html

Moovit: Making Public Transit More Predictable

Moovit is a global transit app that covers thousands of cities, including every major system in Canada. Enter a destination and Moovit provides step‑by‑step guidance, real‑time arrival data, and vibration or voice alerts for transfers and stop announcements.

  • Real‑time bus and train arrivals
  • VoiceOver and TalkBack support
  • Customisable walking speed and route preferences
  • No registration needed for basic use

For more details, read the Moovit FAQ:
https://support.moovitapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/9024545968274-FAQ-to-Moovit

Understanding the Data: GTFS and GPS

GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) is a worldwide data standard that transit agencies use to publish schedules, stop locations, accessibility notes, and live vehicle positions. Moovit consumes these feeds to display reliable arrival predictions and to trigger on‑board stop call‑outs such as “Approaching: Granville and Broadway.”

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite network that enables both apps to calculate your position outdoors. Accuracy depends on an unobstructed sky view:

  • Mild interference – Rain, heavy foliage, or narrow side streets may shift location a few metres.
  • Moderate interference – Tall buildings can reflect signals, placing you on the wrong side of the street.
  • Severe interference – Concrete walls, tunnels, and most indoor settings can block signals completely.

Because of these limitations, GPS‑based turn‑by‑turn guidance may occasionally misidentify a doorway or bus stop. Sound cane skills and environmental awareness remain essential.

Quick Reference

  • VoiceVista – Outdoor, point‑to‑point navigation powered by GPS.
  • Moovit – Public‑transit trip planning powered by GTFS and GPS.
  • Neither app replaces a white cane, a guide dog, or formal mobility training.

Final Thoughts

At Gateway Navigation, inclusion begins with access, access to trustworthy data, to well-designed tools, and to environments that welcome everyone. VoiceVista and Moovit are two such tools. Try them, share your experiences, and remember that technology works best when combined with solid travel skills and the mobility aid you trust most.

Questions or partnership ideas? Contact us at email: partners@gnc3.com or visit our website at https://gnc3.com

Categories
Advocacy Event workshop

Buy Social Canada Symposium – April 26, 2021.

Buy Social Canada Working Together to create healthy, vibrant communities.

What is Buy Social Canada (BSC)?

Well, in the case of Gateway Navigation, we are a registered member and certified social enterprise supplier listed with BSC. In which we operate under incorporation articles and policies stating our company’s:

  • Social objective to create accessible and inclusive digital audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation - augmented reality system solutions.
  • Social objective to train and employ people with disabilities in the tech sector.
  • Community Contribution Company structure to direct 60% of any profit back into our social objectives and our equity partner the Canadian Council of the Blind.

In 2017, David Brun, Jim Taggart, and members of the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), co-founders of Gateway Navigation, were fortunate to be connected with David LePage and his team at Buy Social Canada. Their message then was inspirational and foundational to Gateway’s inception.

Now, in the midst of a once in a century pandemic, we are even more recognising the importance of shaping thriving and resilient local economies and communities. The Buy Social Canada Symposium promises to be an exciting and insightful exploration of how we can work together to create vibrant, dynamic, and sustainable community partnerships.

On April 26, 2021, Buy Social Canada will host a pan-Canadian Symposium to connect, inspire and engage as we bring communities together to grow social procurement. The program will feature keynotes, panel discussions and breakout sessions on key topics: Social Procurement Today and Tomorrow, Construction and Infrastructure, Myths and Facts, Leading Municipalities, and the Social Procurement Champion Awards. There will be opportunities to network and engage with others who are helping to shape the social value marketplace.

Register now https://bit.ly/3oCGxVt

E-see you there.

For more information on Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.Email us at partners@gnc3.com .

Categories
Advocacy Awareness workshop

Sinclair Centre: Inclusive Audio-Based Indoor Navigation for all Persons

Sinclair Centre Plays Virtual Host to Audio-Based Navigation Scavenger Hunt

Editors note: At the end of the post is a link to the Accessibuild app for IOS and Android users to download the free app. Then participate in the scavenger hunt. Using a virtual map of Sinclair Centre and recover the clues used in the June 4th National Accessibility Awareness Week event.
As part of National Accessibility Awareness Week. Public Services Procurement Canada partnered with Gateway Navigation and Accessibuild. In a one-hour Zoom session focused on universal design, accessibility as a social justice issue and a virtual scavenger map walk through at Sinclair Centre.
The session titled “Enhancing Accessibility One Building at a Time”, is based on an educational / awareness series developed by Jim Taggart FRAIC in collaboration with Gateway Navigation and the Canadian Council of the Blind. Added to this edition was an interactive virtual audio-based indoor navigation experience created by Jeff Godfrey, Lead App Developer, Accessibuild. With the support of Sinclair Centre, home of Services Canada and Passport Canada Offices in downtown Vancouver.
David Brun, Director and Founder, Gateway Navigation stated, “We are extremely fortunate to have the confidence and support of the leadership of PSPC in British Columbia to get our perspective and solutions to potential users and decision makers within the Federal Government. Specifically, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Tara Hartley, Regional Director and Annie Desgagné, Regional Director General of PSPC. And their teams for making our efforts possible. When trying to change attitudes and empower ability in contrast to decades if not centuries of engrained bias. The need for Champions is vital and we are extremely fortunate to have Annie and Tara working with us”
Jim Taggart in his presentation explains, “There are no special needs only the needs for people to work, go to school or access services”. Further elaborating that the lack of universal design contributes far more to a person being disable than any limitation they may have in sight, hearing, mobility, etc.”. Concluding that with 22% of the population currently identifying as having a disability and compounding this reality with an aging population. Creating accessible and inclusive public spaces is not only important it is essential for the economic and social health of society.
Jeff Godfrey from Accessibuild then set the stage for the interactive experience of Sinclair Centre, saying, “Normally, for a full service app a highly accurate scan would be done of the interior space, that would then be rendered into a map data file for download to the app. However, for the purpose of this event a data file was created from existing architectural drawings and due to the current social distancing restrictions, the on-site accessibility assessment and trialing by stakeholders was not possible. For that reason, the purpose of the map developed is as a virtual map experience to demonstrate the functionality of the app and is not to used for actual navigation purposes”.
Brian Bibeault, a member of the Canadian Council of the Blind and the Get Together with Tech GTT Program. Then demonstrated the app and the pre-set route through Sinclair Centre. Brian described the features of the app and his experience in testing. Adding, “Using the app to navigate the beta test site in North Bay, I consistently arrive within a step of my destination. The app provides me with direction, distance, and relevant information at each decision-making point. While I apply my orientation and mobility skills as a white cane user to navigate independently.
During question and answer an audience member asked, how would a deaf person access the app for navigation purposes. Panelist, Albert Ruel, Coordinator CC B Get Together with Tech Program, replied, “The map data is digital, not graphical as you would find using Apple or Google maps. So, this information can be delivered through the means most accessible to the user. For example, a braille user could use a refreshable braille device connected to their smartphone. A deaf or visually impaired user may just used screen text that is enhanced by contrast or font size. Or as in my case, by audio feed.”
In concluding, Brun summarized, “we are at the cusp of great change in relation to inclusive audio-based navigation systems. The cost effectiveness and accuracy available through advances in LiDAR mapping. Combined with Apple’s Indoor Mapping Data Format – IMDF as a shareable open source database. Puts venues, app developers and users on a path to greater accessibility and inclusion for everyone”.
Please contact us at partners@gnc3.com if you or your organization would like to find out more about our educational / awareness series, “Enhancing Accessibility One Building at a Time” or for any questions or quotes to make your venue more accessible using inclusive audio-based navigation systems that benefit everyone.
Accessibuild free app links:
Android: coming soon. Check the Accessibuild homepage for availability: https://www.accessibuild.ca/
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/accessibuild/id1487709203

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workshop

Accessible Audio Based Navigation Panel Discussion

Exploring accessible audio wayfinding through beacons and beyond

This event happened February 9th, 2018. An audio recording of the panel discussion. Can be accessed at the bottom of the post by clicking on the audio file link.

Free - Educational Series – Accessible Smart Cities

The Beacon Navigation Project hosts the first indoor audio navigation experience in Canada. Using Bluetooth low energy BLE proximity beacons, smartphone and Right-Hear accessible solution software to assist blind, visually impaired or anyone requiring audio augmented reality digital information to more effortlessly, confidently and independently navigate their surroundings.

Join us and our Panelists:

  • Mike May, Executive Director, BVI Workforce Innovation Center, Wichita, Kansas.
  • Steve Barclay, President Canadian Assistive Technology
  • Albert Ruel, Manager Western Canada, Get Together with Technology (GTT), Canadian Council of the Blind
  • David LePage, Principal Accelerating Social Impact

On Friday, February 9th, 2018 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Alma Van Dusen Room located on the lower level of Vancouver Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1.

Learn and experience: indoor audio navigation. Through an overview and discussion of proximity beacons / smartphone navigation technology.  Focusing on current and future expansion and use of this innovative, ground-breaking, technology. And how it assists independent travel. Followed by hands-on navigation over three levels of the Central Library complex. Including, indoor and outdoor navigation to the Accessibility Resource Centre.

Space is limited. Please confirm your attendance via mailto:partners@gnc3.com. Include your name and organization, if applicable and we’ll reserve your seat.

Remember to download the free Right-Hear App to experience indoor audio-based navigation:

Apple:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/right-hear-righthear/id1061791840?mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.righthear&hl=en

For best audio experience when using Right-Hear. We recommend using a bone conducting headset to permit users to both hear the app and surrounding environment.

Click this link to go to audio file