Sault transit adopts accessibility app
Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services is working with the CNIB Foundation to make taking the bus a little easier for the blind.
It has launched a one-year pilot project to test the BlindSquare app, which uses voice commands and GPS technology to help the blind navigate transit schedules and routes.
Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services, said the app helps the city's goal of making transit accessible for everyone. He said the annual cost of the pilot project is $6,000 annually and is being paid for through the city's operating budget.
BlindSquare is controlled through voice command and will give the user directions to the nearest transit stop.
David Demers, president of CNIB Frontier Accessibility, said the app has the potential to be used in many indoor spaces as well, including malls, schools and hospitals.
He said the Sault is the first municipality to use the app across its entire transit network.
The app is only available for download from the App Store. As for an Android version, there is no firm release date yet, but Demers said the BlindSquare team is working on one.
Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services is working with the CNIB Foundation to make taking the bus a little easier for the blind.
It has launched a one-year pilot project to test the BlindSquare app, which uses voice commands and GPS technology to help the blind navigate transit schedules and routes.
Brent Lamming, the city's director of community services, said the app helps the city's goal of making transit accessible for everyone. He said the annual cost of the pilot project is $6,000 annually and is being paid for through the city's operating budget.
BlindSquare is controlled through voice command and will give the user directions to the nearest transit stop.
David Demers, president of CNIB Frontier Accessibility, said the app has the potential to be used in many indoor spaces as well, including malls, schools and hospitals.
He said the Sault is the first municipality to use the app across its entire transit network.
The app is only available for download from the App Store. As for an Android version, there is no firm release date yet, but Demers said the BlindSquare team is working on one.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.