Spotlight on Innovative Projects

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