Jan 4, 2013
By Janice Tai
The Straits Times
In two years, the visually impaired may be able to use an app to help them navigate their way around much of Singapore via disabled-friendly routes. Students and lecturers from Ngee Ann Polytechnic are developing a smartphone application that uses Global Positioning System technology to map out the shortest safe path for them.
The Straits Times
In two years, the visually impaired may be able to use an app to help them navigate their way around much of Singapore via disabled-friendly routes. Students and lecturers from Ngee Ann Polytechnic are developing a smartphone application that uses Global Positioning System technology to map out the shortest safe path for them.
It guides the user with audio instructions and alarm beeps - and even factors in the weather by proposing a sheltered route if it rains. The project, which received $118,000 in funding from the Tote Board, aims to help the visually impaired get around independently instead of having to rely on passers-by or guide dogs for help.
Navigation problems can lead to a muted social life for some visually handicapped individuals. But the group is in talks with bus companies to include its routes in the system so that visually impaired passengers will be alerted to the next stop where they can alight safely.
Yesterday, the group gave the media a sneak preview of how the system works. Visually impaired volunteers used the app to make their way to the nearest bus stop from the polytechnic. For now, only the area around Ngee Ann Polytechnic has been mapped out in detail. Mr Jason Setok, 33 - who lost his sight to glaucoma seven years ago - has been helping to test the app.
"Many of my peers either stay at home or frequent places nearby as there are many obstacles around that the able-bodied may not notice," he said. He had spent three months learning how to travel from his home in Yishun to the polytechnic in Clementi Road, where he works as an exhibition guide to raise awareness of the challenges that people with visual impairments face.
"To get to a new place, I have to stop about five or six passers-by for help and they may be rushing for time. But now there is a navigation system easily accessible on our phones that we can depend on."
jantai@sph.com.sg
Navigation problems can lead to a muted social life for some visually handicapped individuals. But the group is in talks with bus companies to include its routes in the system so that visually impaired passengers will be alerted to the next stop where they can alight safely.
Yesterday, the group gave the media a sneak preview of how the system works. Visually impaired volunteers used the app to make their way to the nearest bus stop from the polytechnic. For now, only the area around Ngee Ann Polytechnic has been mapped out in detail. Mr Jason Setok, 33 - who lost his sight to glaucoma seven years ago - has been helping to test the app.
"Many of my peers either stay at home or frequent places nearby as there are many obstacles around that the able-bodied may not notice," he said. He had spent three months learning how to travel from his home in Yishun to the polytechnic in Clementi Road, where he works as an exhibition guide to raise awareness of the challenges that people with visual impairments face.
"To get to a new place, I have to stop about five or six passers-by for help and they may be rushing for time. But now there is a navigation system easily accessible on our phones that we can depend on."
jantai@sph.com.sg
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