[NFB-Seniors-Discussion] Another guy wrote - RE: Yes, RE: New travel aid - what do you think - FW: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Wed Apr 17 11:35:05 UTC 2024

>From the Nebraska senior list: 

>From Jeff Altman, a travel instructor 

Hi Robert,

While I haven’t seen the device, nor have I read all of the details, I’m not certain it has all that much more going for it than devices from twenty, thirty or even forty years ago. These devices tend to provide information that tells the user that there is something there, which in some situations can be helpful; however, in general they do not tell the user what that object is. An experienced  cane user that contacts an object with the cane receives both auditory and tactile information that can in many cases be very quickly identified as the characteristics of a particular object. This identification can provide important information regarding orientation, such as the sound of the typical sign pole can tell the blind person that he or she is too close to the street, and needs to turn away from it. A guide dog takes the blind handler around obstacles, but due to intelligent disobedience, can prevent the handler from making a critical error. Even if such a device could tell the user what an object is, could it do it quickly enough to allow it to be really useful. Sure, if it could be used to scan an area, and tell you where specific things are, that could be useful, but I think there are already some apps out there that can help with that, but I don’t think using them on the fly is a very good idea.

There are many other reasons that the cane, or a dog continue to be the primary choices of blind people for their personal independent travel, but the most important one is the level of understanding of the environment that they provide, or the partnership with a dog that help them to have the confidence to travel independently. I don’t see this device, anymore than those that came before it, as being a better answer, or even all that particularly useful as an addition To the cane or dog.

Yes, we need to keep an open mind with regard to technology, but those that are attempting to develop these things really need to have blind folks that know how to travel very much at the center of their efforts.

From: NFB-Seniors-Discussion <nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of RobertLeslie Newman via NFB-Seniors-Discussion
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 6:26 AM
To: 'NFB Seniors Division Discussion List' <nfb-seniors-discussion at nfbnet.org>
Cc: robertleslienewman at gmail.com
Subject: [NFB-Seniors-Discussion] Yes, need cane too! - RE: New travel aid - what do you think - FW: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Judy

First, I do not like the look of this gadget! If some day it could be…, more discreet in terms what people would see. Like being built in a vest, shirt or jacket. Or have the  component that sends out the beam or signal or whatever it is called, be niniaturized, as in a button size component. A burger size bun is weird looking if that unit is outside your shirt.

From: NFB-Seniors-Discussion <nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Judy Jones via NFB-Seniors-Discussion
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 7:18 PM
To: 'NFB Seniors Division Discussion List' <nfb-seniors-discussion at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFB-Seniors-Discussion] New travel aid - what do you think - FW: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Hi,

I can see where one would need to use the white cane with most, if not, all of these high-tech devices.  Sounds interesting.

Judy

“Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”

From: NFB-Seniors-Discussion <nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of RobertLeslie Newman via NFB-Seniors-Discussion
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:00 AM
To: NE senior division listserv <nebraska-senior-blind at nfbnet.org <mailto:nebraska-senior-blind at nfbnet.org> >; NFB Seniors Division Discussion List <nfb-seniors-discussion at nfbnet.org <mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion at nfbnet.org> >
Cc: robertleslienewman at gmail.com <mailto:robertleslienewman at gmail.com> 
Subject: [NFB-Seniors-Discussion] New travel aid - what do you think - FW: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Hi You All

I mostly like what this device can tell you, but…

What do you think?

RLN

From: tech-vi at groups.io <mailto:tech-vi at groups.io>  <tech-vi at groups.io <mailto:tech-vi at groups.io> > On Behalf Of David Goldfield via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:54 AM
To: List <tech-vi at groups.io <mailto:tech-vi at groups.io> >
Subject: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Podfeet Podcasts - Thursday, March 21, 2024, 12:13 PM

CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind

Allison interviews Javier De Leon from Strap Tech about Ara, their wearable smart device developed for the blind and visually impaired to move faster and safer in everyday life.

Ara is worn on the chest facing outward and has straps around the waist and over the shoulders to keep it in place. About the size of a hamburger bun, the device contains an array of advanced sensors to detect obstacles in the user’s path as they walk.

Ara provides accurate and timely alerts through haptic vibration patterns felt through the straps. Vibrations felt in the shoulder straps indicate an obstacle above the waist while vibrations in the waist straps indicate an obstacle below the waist. Vibrations in shoulder and waist straps mean a large obstacle, such as a wall, is ahead. When the user feels these vibrations, they turn until the vibration stops and continue their walk to avoid the obstacle.

Although Ara can be used on a stand-alone basis, it also has a mode for seamless integration with traditional mobility aids like white canes, guide dogs, or loved ones. Learning to use Ara is straightforward and intuitive.

Ara has a battery life of one full day and a smart on/off mode which automatically powers down the device if the user remains stationary for an extended period or takes a seat. Upon resuming the walk, Ara automatically powers back up.

Learn more at https://strap.tech/

[embedded content] 

Using a Screen Reader? click here <https://youtu.be/kQFJchFzafg> 

https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2024/03/csun-2024-strap-tech/

David Goldfield,

Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist

If you need help using your assistive technology learn about my training services by visiting

WWW.ScreenReaderTraining.com <http://www.screenreadertraining.com/> 

Am Yisrael Chai

The Nation of Israel Lives!

JAWS Certified, 2022 <https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification/> 

NVDA Certified Expert <https://certification.nvaccess.org/> 

Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to receive news, events and information regarding the blindness assistive technology field.

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