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It’s important to be able to travel safely and independently. Assistive Technology can provide people who are blind or have low vision with support to safely navigate both new and familiar environments. Some technologies can provide extra information about the environment, such as obstacles. Others can give specific directional instructions to help someone find their way to a destination.
Miniguide
Locate obstacles in your path of travel that your cane won't detect.
Description: The Miniguide is a palm-sized cylindrical device with a hard plastic case and a wrist strap. It is a battery-operated mobility aid that indicates the distance to the nearest object via an audio tone or vibration. It helps you locate obstacles in your path of travel, particularly those that are waist height or higher that your long cane will not detect, such as overhanging tree branches.
Interaction: Turn the Miniguide on by pressing the large red, flat button on the top. As you wave your hand in front of the sensors you will feel it vibrate. It is detecting the presence of your hand but also the distance your hand is away from the device. The faster the vibration rate, the nearer the object. Point the Miniguide towards the right down the hall to see if you can locate the wall on the other side. As you walk towards the wall, feel the intensity of the vibration increase; this means you are getting closer. You will also be able to detect people if they pass by.
Buzzclip
The Buzzclip can be clipped on to your clothing to detect obstacles in your path of travel.
Description: The Buzzclip works using the same technology as the Miniguide to detect obstacles in your path of travel. The Buzzclip can be clipped on to your clothing (somewhere like your breast pocket or lapel) or can be handheld, and has an indoor mode that can be used to help navigate places like offices and supermarkets.
Interaction: The Buzzclip’s sensor is on the rounded section and needs to face outwards as you clip it on to your clothes. Press and hold the rubberised button to the left of the sensor to turn it on and see how the tactile feedback – or vibration – compares to the Miniguide. You will be able to detect the movement of other people if they walk past or see how close you are standing to the Tech Bar.
Victor Reader Trek
A handheld GPS device that gives you information about your location, points of interest around you and routes to navigate to destinations.
Description: The Victor Reader Trek is a handheld GPS device and audio player. The device will give you information about your location, points of interest around you and routes to navigate to destinations. It will also play audiobooks so you can listen to a book as you travel.
Interaction: To turn the device on, press and hold the power button which is on the left hand side of the unit near the top corner. Find out your location by pressing the Online button (round button at the top centre of the unit) several times until you hear it announce it is in orientation mode. Now press the number 5 (five) button. You will get more information about your surroundings by pressing and holding the number 5 button.
Get in touch
Looking for further details? Get in touch today.
To find further information about Assistive Technology—including more about your equipment options and how they may support your life—you can:
We welcome referrals and enquiries from individuals, families, health professionals and community organisations.
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