Getting out and about

Building on the success of its Thunder software, Screenreader.net has part-developed a suite of smartphone applications to further help reduce the social isolation experienced by blind people.

Understanding that many people with little or no sight are trapped in their own homes due to their blindness and/or nervousness, the organisation has developed the apps based on unique Safe & Sound Technology. It aims to empower and enable users to better socialise with friends and family and participate in their communities.

GPS and geo-locations

The Safe & Sound Travel suite of smartphone apps enables safer use of public transport by combining GPS with the creation of personalised local points of interest or landmarks (‘My Places’), the geo-locations of bus stops, and bus and train information.

Each app features a clear and uncluttered interface with a choice of foreground and background colours, and a speech output option for those not able to read what is on the screen. A help button connects to a named carer, giving that carer an on-screen map with a pin showing precisely where the help is needed.

Personalised landmarks

As well as informing or assuring blind and/or timid travellers about when the next bus or train is due in their location, the Safe & Sound Travel apps use GPS functionality to notify users where they are and inform them about the whereabouts of chosen important landmarks that help to relieve the anxiety of knowing where and when to get off the bus, for example. Similar spoken alerts can also be programmed to alert the user to the presence of significant landmarks, such as a safe crossing point, an overhanging branch, the bus stop or the front gate of their home.

With support from Nominet Trust, Screenreader.net aims to complete the set of Safe & Sound Travel smartphone and web apps initially on Android platforms before expanding onto other platforms.