Guide Dogs launches Technowatch
19 May 2010
Guide Dogs launches Technowatch
An online resource showcasing the latest technology innovations to help blind and partially sighted people get about has been launched by Guide Dogs.
Technowatch will help Guide Dogs meet its strategic aim to help more blind and partially sighted get about independently.
It features products from around the world in four categories: Wayfinding and Orientation, Obstacle Detection, Remote Activated Signs and Miscellaneous.
Products include the Kapten Personal GPS Voice Navigator, a tiny voice-activated wayfinder that uses GPS signals, plays music.
Besides the products, the site also contains technology research papers and a feedback system that allows users to comment on products.
These comments will be fed back to manufacturers to improve future product designs.
Guide dog owner and Guide Dogs’ employee Peter Barker said: “Technowatch is a really exciting development.
“Not only does it provide a means for blind and partially sighted consumers to input feedback to suppliers, but it gives researchers somewhere to promote their findings.
“Technology moves quickly, so this site will be a really important way for blind and partially sighted people to keep up with developments that could improve their quality of life and independence.”
Follow this link see the site http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/technowatch/
