Seeing-Eye GPS System Aids The Blind And Directionless

Those GPS systems that are often used by hikers, hunters, and drivers have recently been employed for something that’s actually worthwhile — aiding the blind. Three products have recently been made available — all use braille, all use voice, and all promise to eventually be turned into very friendly guide robots that can also beat up kids who find hilarity in mistreating the blind.

The first GPS gadget is called the BrailleNote mPower BT 32, by Pulsedata International. The mPower includes a 32 cell refreshable Braille display, a nine-key Braille keyboard, speech output, easy-to-use thumb navigation, can be doubled as a Braille display for PC screen readers, and finally, includes a one-handed mode for comfort and easy of use.

Small, unassuming, and easy to use, the mPower is a godsend for the visually impaired — and will assuredly make life a whole lot easier.

Another GPS system, made by Pulsedata, is the VoiceNote mPower QT — for those
who prefer voice and don’t need the Braille display. The QT has a high-quality speech output, a computer style keyboard, a one key touch access to the main menu and on line help, and a two key touch volume, speed and pitch control.

A little more difficult to use than the Braille keyboard, the QT nonetheless does its job and does it well.

Finally, HumanWare, a company vaguely sounding like something John Connor would try to go into the past to destroy, offers the Trekker — a fantastic little gadget that uses GPS and digital maps to help the blind find their way in rural and urban areas. Tiny, and easily fitting in the palm of your hand, the Trekker can pinpoint the users exact location and tell them of specific area attractions anywhere in the world. Maps can be ordered by phone or by email, and delivered via FTP download, Compact Flash cards, or Compact Disk.

But wait, there’s more — the Trekker can be enhanced with a “Maestro” mode, using Maestro applications that provide access to basic PDA functions, and eventually a media player, email manager, and a choice of a second language.

Slick, easy to use, helpful and with a high-quality voice system, the Trekker 2.7 is one of the best GPS systems for the visually impaired — not only because of its options, but also because the company keeps updating it with newer and newer options.

Remember, these systems aren’t meant to replace canes or dogs — but rather to complement them. Besides offering basic help, they also offer confidence and a sense of renewed freedom. They’re also easy to use and fairly affordable — we highly recommend each and every one of them.

You can find all of these gadgets at the Pulsedata website, with the Trekker easily being our favorite item.