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Disability Action Center NW

NaviLens Guidance for the Blind

NEWS FROM DAC NW

A visit to the Boise Watershed

This past month we had an opportunity to explore the Boise Watershed using NaviLens. This technology improves access to information for people who are blind or low vision. Traditional signage fails for people with vision related disabilities. But NaviLens can be scanned with your mobile device and reads aloud the information or wayfinding you need. Download the Navilens app and you can point your camera in front of you and start using it immediately.

The codes are small, a little bigger than a postage stamp and can be scanned from up to 30′ away, and the readings are instantaneous. We found they guided our entrance from the parking lot to the building and then guided us through the exhibits. They can also be used on packaging so a person can walk through the store and find the products they want easily using the app.

NaviLens is in use in Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York. With over 100 NaviLens codes it helps the visually-impaired users to be more independent in unknown spaces, guides all users indoors through virtual arrows in a very innovative Augmented Reality (AR) experience, without GPS or Bluetooth, offers real-time train arrivals information scanning any NaviLens code, and all of these features are offered in 34 languages, breaking language barriers of all subway users.

It’s easy to try it out in your business. If you already have a QR code for information, a menu, etc, you can add a NaviLens code to it for free here. It’s easy to down a whole kit to try out.

The use of NaviLens at the Boise Watershed isn’t the only accessibility feature. They also have a raised Braille map of the facility which was pretty cool. Indoors, it’s roomy and easy to get around. Loads of hands on exhibits are great fun for the whole family. Accessible drinking fountains, restrooms add to it. Plus the outdoor area and playground has easy to roll on bonded rubber trails. It has a natural appearance, is seamless, porous, and provides a long-lasting and durable pathway for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.