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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Amen, very well said. I have been using either a white cane or guide dog since the mid-sixties and been all over, traveling independently and with confidence, thanks to the early instruction I received.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>I do have a question, though, for people, especially Jeff, and this may require a different subject-line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>I find myself, even though a competent traveler, nowadays finding lighted intersections almost impossible to cross, due to all the right-on-reds. I would love to hear of any newer techniques, if they exist, on dealing with those, plus traveling safely with quiet cars in the mix. Oh yes, and the robovehicles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Fortunately, the state of Washington, where I live, is putting the brakes on instant adoption of those.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Thanks for any information you can give. I am currently using a white cane.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Judy</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Curlz MT";mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>“Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFB-Seniors-Discussion <nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>RobertLeslie Newman via NFB-Seniors-Discussion<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, April 17, 2024 4:35 AM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB Seniors Division Discussion List' <nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org><br><b>Cc:</b> robertleslienewman@gmail.com<br><b>Subject:</b> [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<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From the Nebraska senior list: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From Jeff Altman, a travel instructor <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Hi Robert,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>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.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFB-Seniors-Discussion <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>RobertLeslie Newman via NFB-Seniors-Discussion<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, April 17, 2024 6:26 AM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB Seniors Division Discussion List' <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:robertleslienewman@gmail.com">robertleslienewman@gmail.com</a><br><b>Subject:</b> [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<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Judy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFB-Seniors-Discussion <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Judy Jones via NFB-Seniors-Discussion<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 16, 2024 7:18 PM<br><b>To:</b> 'NFB Seniors Division Discussion List' <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> Judy Jones <<a href="mailto:sonshines59@gmail.com">sonshines59@gmail.com</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> 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<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Hi,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>I can see where one would need to use the white cane with most, if not, all of these high-tech devices. Sounds interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Judy</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Curlz MT";mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>“Embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> NFB-Seniors-Discussion <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion-bounces@nfbnet.org</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>RobertLeslie Newman via NFB-Seniors-Discussion<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 16, 2024 5:00 AM<br><b>To:</b> NE senior division listserv <<a href="mailto:nebraska-senior-blind@nfbnet.org">nebraska-senior-blind@nfbnet.org</a>>; NFB Seniors Division Discussion List <<a href="mailto:nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org">nfb-seniors-discussion@nfbnet.org</a>><br><b>Cc:</b> <a href="mailto:robertleslienewman@gmail.com">robertleslienewman@gmail.com</a><br><b>Subject:</b> [NFB-Seniors-Discussion] New travel aid - what do you think - FW: [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hi You All<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I mostly like what this device can tell you, but…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>What do you think?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>RLN<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> <a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io">tech-vi@groups.io</a> <<a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io">tech-vi@groups.io</a>> <b>On Behalf Of </b>David Goldfield via groups.io<br><b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:54 AM<br><b>To:</b> List <<a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io">tech-vi@groups.io</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> [Tech-VI] CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p>Podfeet Podcasts - Thursday, March 21, 2024, 12:13 PM<o:p></o:p></p><h1>CSUN 2024: Strap Tech Ara Wearable Mobility Device for the Blind<o:p></o:p></h1><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=100 height=100 style='width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in' id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DA908A.D735E110" alt="Image removed by sender."></span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Learn more at <a href="https://strap.tech/" target="_blank">https://strap.tech/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p>[embedded content] <o:p></o:p></p><p>Using a Screen Reader? <a href="https://youtu.be/kQFJchFzafg">click here</a><o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2024/03/csun-2024-strap-tech/">https://www.podfeet.com/blog/2024/03/csun-2024-strap-tech/</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Goldfield,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you need help using your assistive technology learn about my training services by visiting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="http://www.screenreadertraining.com/">WWW.ScreenReaderTraining.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Am Yisrael Chai<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Nation of Israel Lives!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification/">JAWS Certified, 2022</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://certification.nvaccess.org/">NVDA Certified Expert</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to receive news, events and information regarding the blindness assistive technology field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io">tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="http://www.davidgoldfield.com/">www.DavidGoldfield.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'>_._,_._,_<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div><p class=MsoNormal>Groups.io Links:<o:p></o:p></p><p>You receive all messages sent to this group. <o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/message/6776" target="_blank">View/Reply Online (#6776)</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5BTech-VI%5D%20CSUN%202024%3A%20Strap%20Tech%20Ara%20Wearable%20Mobility%20Device%20for%20the%20Blind" target="_blank">Reply To Group</a> | <a href="mailto:david.goldfield@outlook.com?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5BTech-VI%5D%20CSUN%202024%3A%20Strap%20Tech%20Ara%20Wearable%20Mobility%20Device%20for%20the%20Blind" target="_blank">Reply To Sender</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/mt/105551937/429118" target="_blank">Mute This Topic</a> <br><a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/editsub/429118">Your Subscription</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi+owner@groups.io">Contact Group Owner</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/leave/8992023/429118/183103599/xyzzy">Unsubscribe</a> [robertleslienewman@gmail.com]<o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'>_._,_._,_<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div></body></html>