Assistive apps in the spotlight

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Monday, 17 February 2014 12:56pm

Stop Announcer, the app that helps people who are blind or vision impaired navigate public transport, was profiled on the ABC’s 7.30 WA on Friday. The report showed white cane user Trevor Dawson using the app to catch the bus and find out where to get off with complete independence.

As we first reported in January, Stop Announcer (Perth) for Android phones was developed by Perth local Voon-Li Chung after he heard about Graeme Innes’s case against RailCorp in NSW. His aim was to create an app which allows people who are blind or vision impaired to get around on public transport without assistance from others.

“Stop Announcer costs just a few dollars but for the visually impaired, the freedom it affords is priceless,” said presenter Andrew O’Connor.

Since the app’s release late last year, Chung has been hard at work creating versions for all Australian cities. He is currently seeking volunteers to test the Adelaide edition.

In addition to Stop Announcer, Chung has also developed Point Finder, an app that works like an audio compass, allowing people to navigate between landmarks. Both apps are specifically designed for blind and vision impaired people. They both have high contrast black and white designs and can be used with Android’s screen reader, TalkBack.

The story on 7.30 WA is available to view (without captions or audio description) on the ABC website. Publicity like this will help raise awareness amongst blind and sighted people alike about how technology has the potential to give people with disability more freedom.

Those with an Android phone can purchase Stop Announcer (Perth) from Google Play for $3.


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