We are all familiar with GPS systems and most likely use it regularly to assist with locating businesses, homes and other attractions by address or GPS guides us to an address  or location, an essential tool for those of us who travel to and between new destinations. I travel regularly to new client residences or business and I am truly lost when my data plan has lost connection causing the GPS to fail in mapping the route to my destination.

For individuals with disabilities, GPS services are an important tool for their outdoor mobility. What about when they have reached their destination and it is a large complex with many floors with a building or many different  buildings to choose from? It is hard for me sometimes in large buildings or complexes to navigate to the correct room or floor with vision!  Whether an individual with low vision, blindness, intellectual, perceptual or no challenges, we all may have experienced situations where having an indoor guide system would be helpful to reach a destination efficiently and independently.

Check out AWARE app and services created by Sensible Innovations. This exciting and innovative new app and location service provides step by step guidance for indoor venues for individuals with visual impairments. Using the AWARE app (free) and iBeacons, directions for inside venues can be relayed via one way Bluetooth to and individual’s mobile device with the AWARE app. See the AWARE app in action in the YouTube below to gain more information on the app and the system:

Created by Sensible Innovations, this app requires their AWARE app , available for iOS and Android (free).

The app requires iBeacons, programed and located strategically  in the venues to provide the user feedback and guidance about locations within the building or area. Think of the possibilities for individuals when iBeacons are located in public places.

A recent client with visual impairment  employed at a large convention center experienced difficulty with orientation and navigation, requiring assistance from others to get from one location to another within their work day.  Another client previously had significant perceptual challenges causing difficulty navigating a college campus as a new student. Both clients might benefit from guidance using AWARE app  for greater independence and reduced anxiety in their navigation at a new location. What a great innovation!

It will be exciting to see this service be available in the community and allow greater independence for individuals with disabilities in their navigation in and outside of their destinations!

For more information visit the Sensible Innovations website: ( http://www.sensible-innovations.com/#!aware-app/d45j6   )

More for your OT mTool Kit!

Carol