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Travel assistance for the blind [Bristol Evening Post (England)](Bristol Evening Post (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BLINDFOLDED bus drivers were challenged to navigate their vehicles in the dark to encourage them to understand disabilities. First Bus installed audio aids on dozens of their buses to make it easier for blind people to get around. At present 13 single-deck buses - most commonly used on Services 8/9 - are fitted, with 81 double-decked buses due to roll out soon.The technology provides an audio, and a visual prompt on displays or television screens in the buses, telling passengers about the next stop on the route. During the Swap With Me event, bus drivers donned blindfolds, and partially sighted people sat in the driver's seat, trying to hear someone speak through the protective screen above the noise of the engine. Natacha Tagholm, of First West of England, said: The Swap with Me sessions are incredibly powerful - the ability to walk in another person's shoes to understand the challenges they face cannot be underestimated." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] |