[acbny-l] Fwd: High Tech Bat Canes for the Blind
- From: sherry defrancesco <sherry@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: acbny-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2003 13:17:32 -0400
>Source: Australian "The Courier Mail".
>
>High-tech 'Batcanes' for the blind.
>
>By Dale Paget, July 16, 2003.
>
>GUIDE Dogs Queensland has begun trials of a laser-guided
>walking cane, and plans to soon test a prototype "Batcane"
>that uses sonar technology to warn the blind of obstacles.
>
>Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim said today
>the Laser Cane and "Batcane" will never replace guide dogs,
>but could help more than 100,000 Australians who are blind
>or visually impaired.
>
>"These devices are not vision-substitution systems," he
>said. "But they can enhance someone's mobility."
>
>The Laser Cane, which is made in the United States and is
>expected to sell for $6,000, can detect objects in front,
>behind and below a user. It communicates the position of
>obstacles with sounds and vibrations.
>
>Guide Dogs Queensland is testing the cane, with a view to
>buying some for permanent loans to the visually impaired.
>
>Another hand-held device called a Miniguide, which uses
>sound waves to reveal the position of objects up to four
>metres away, has already been accepted by Guide Dog groups
>around the country and is available for loan.
>
>Among other innovations unveiled at an Electronic Travel
>Aids Mobility seminar on the Gold Coast today was a global
>positioning satellite system that tells users by voice or
>braille where they are anywhere in the world.
>
>"This is an exciting time with developments around the
>world," said Mr Ebrahim.
>
>"But you'll always need guide dogs and the long cane," he
>said. "The electronic devices will only suit some people."
>
>Source URL:
>http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,59
>36,6761768%255E421,00.html
>
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