An app that helps blind and visually impaired people navigate their surroundings is now available for some trails in Fish Creek Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
People with vision loss can now explore Fish Creek Park independently thanks to the BlindSquare app. It’s part of a pilot project by Alberta Parks with CNIB Frontier Accessibility and Trans Canada Trail to make hiking more accessible to people of all abilities.
What is BlindSquare?
BlindSquare is a 3D, audible GPS app that feeds information to the user about their surroundings. It uses auditory cues to guide people along a route, and alert them to things like trail surface changes, crossings, bridges, benches, buildings and trail features.
BlindSquare is an international accessibility app that is fairly new to Alberta, but it is expanding here. The app can be used in places that are mapped out through the use of beacons, GPS and even QR codes.
How does it work on the trails?
The user points the phone, shakes it and waits for the information about what’s up ahead, that includes the new trail accessibility initiative in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
The province says park visitors can now use the app to help them navigate Stream Changes Trail and the visitor centre.
BlindSquare can also allow people to mark out a destination, such as a restaurant, and then guide them to it on foot.
Are there any other parks that work with the app?
The province launched a similar trail initiative in Lois Hole Provincial Park in May, and is looking at a third in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park this winter.
