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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Thought my friends in FL maybe interested in the below information!<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-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>If you would like to join the Computer Science & Technology Division for the NFB of SC list serve, please send a message to <a href="mailto:SC-cstd-subscribe@nfbnet.org"><span style='color:blue'>SC-cstd-subscribe@nfbnet.org</span></a></span><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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>National Association of Guide Dog Users Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>1<sup>st</sup> Vice President of the Columbia chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of SC<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>1<sup>st</sup> Vice President of the SC Association of Guide Dog Users Division<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><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p>Visually impaired Accessible technology - BingNews - Thursday, December 15, 2022, 5:52 PM<o:p></o:p></p><h1>Tampa partners with tech startup Lazarillo to boost accessibility for the blind, visually impaired<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=p1>The city of Tampa has implemented <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><a href="https://www.tampa.gov/news/city-tampa-launching-new-solution-blind-visually-impaired-citizens-111891">a new pilot project</a></span></strong> with assistive technology company Lazarillo to improve access to select locations for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>The city and company are working together to create accessible indoor and outdoor maps of public buildings and parks that can be navigated with audio guidance on a smartphone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>The pilot projects will be in place at Old City Hall, the Tampa Municipal Office Building and Julian B. Lane Park, all in downtown Tampa.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>Local residents with disabilities have already beta tested the maps to ensure functionality and usefulness in addressing needs among those who are visually impaired or blind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>“My experience with Lazarillo has been great,” said beta tester <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Janet Bayer</span></strong>. “I use it with my iPhone inside buildings, on sidewalks, and on the bus. I find this application user-friendly, informative, accurate and helpful.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://uwf.edu/"><span style='color:blue;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=728 height=90 style='width:7.5833in;height:.9375in' id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://floridapolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image2.jpeg"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>The product also allows those with mobility disabilities to identify wheelchair-accessible routes and information about accessible restroom facilities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>“One of the biggest battles faced by people with disabilities is the struggle for increased access,” Tampa Mayor <b>Jane Castor </b>said. “Access for people with disabilities improves access for everyone. By implementing Lazarillo, the City of Tampa is taking the next big step in expanding opportunities for diversity and inclusion across City facilities.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>To utilize the new feature, users can download the free Lazarillo app on Google Play or in the App Store. Once downloaded and in place at one of the three mapped locations, the app will open a profile to access a full directory. The directory can be accessed at any time by navigating the “accessible locations” category on the app’s exploration screen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>“I am excited to be working with the city of Tampa and Mayor Jane Castor on our first Florida-based pilot program,” Lazarillo CEO <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Rene</span></strong> <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Espinoza</span></strong> said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>Omni Public CEO <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Cesar</span></strong> <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Hernandez</span></strong>, who is a lobbyist for Lazarillo, said the project showcases the city’s willingness to work with tech companies in the region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>“These solutions are not only for the city, but potentially for the state and other cities across Florida,” he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=p1>Lazarillo is an assistive technology startup that aims to break barriers to inclusion with smart technology solutions. The company has worked with businesses and organizations from across the globe to provide mapping platforms and enhance customer experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span class=post-views-label>Post Views:</span> <span class=post-views-count>0</span> <o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=639ba51b530d41f48914bca8f1843e45&url=https%3a%2f%2ffloridapolitics.com%2farchives%2f576630-tampa-partners-with-tech-startup-lazarillo-to-boost-accessibility-for-the-blind-visually-impaired%2f&c=16270776339356305933&mkt=en-us">http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=639ba51b530d41f48914bca8f1843e45&url=https%3a%2f%2ffloridapolitics.com%2farchives%2f576630-tampa-partners-with-tech-startup-lazarillo-to-boost-accessibility-for-the-blind-visually-impaired%2f&c=16270776339356305933&mkt=en-us</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> David Goldfield <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Assistive Technology Specialist<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Feel free to visit my Web site<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://WWW.DavidGoldfield.info">WWW.DavidGoldfield.info</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'>_._,_._,_<o:p></o:p></span></p><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/3193" target="_blank">View/Reply Online (#3193)</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5Btech-vi%20Announce%20List%5D%20Tampa%20partners%20with%20tech%20startup%20Lazarillo%20to%20boost%20accessibility%20for%20the%20blind%2C%20visually%20impaired" target="_blank">Reply To Group</a> | <a href="mailto:david.goldfield@outlook.com?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5Btech-vi%20Announce%20List%5D%20Tampa%20partners%20with%20tech%20startup%20Lazarillo%20to%20boost%20accessibility%20for%20the%20blind%2C%20visually%20impaired" target="_blank">Reply To Sender</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/mt/95723602/5022811" target="_blank">Mute This Topic</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/post">New Topic</a><br><a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/editsub/5022811">Your Subscription</a> | <a href="mailto:tech-vi+owner@groups.io">Contact Group Owner</a> | <a href="https://groups.io/g/tech-vi/leave/8954550/5022811/1990184373/xyzzy">Unsubscribe</a> [stanley7709@gmail.com]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:white'>_._,_._,_<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></body></html>