[nfbmi-talk] leader dogs and gps technology

[joe harcz Comcast]

Leader Dogs adopts GPS technology - dailytribune.com

By Claire Goscicki, For the Daily Tribune

 

news/srv0000011842849

Click to enlarge

 

Kapten PLUS has voice recognition easily used by visually impaired

 

Rochester Hills-based Leader Dogs for the Blind has developed a new navigational device to increase travel independence for the blind and visually impaired.

 

The new Kapten PLUS devices, designed specifically for pedestrians, use GPS technology to assist users in reaching destinations and mapping routes, according

to Harold Abraham, chief innovation officer for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

 

Abraham said the device, which is slightly larger than a credit card, was first used in Europe by sighted people. The device's voice recognition capabilities

easily lend it to be used by the blind and visually impaired, he said.

 

Though the organization has been offering devices with GPS technology to its students since 2005, the Kapten PLUS is the smallest and least expensive of

its predecessors.

 

The Kapten PLUS was officially launch Tuesday during a ceremony at the Leader Dogs for the Blind headquarters on South Rochester Road. Anyone can purchase

the device through the organization, and between 600 and 700 of the organization's active students will be receiving the device for free, Abraham said.

 

Jacksonville, Ill., resident Carroll Jackson has coupled GPS devices from Leader Dogs for the Blind with his leader dog Hunter since 2007.

 

Jackson recalled his very first device as requiring a shoulder strap for support, an external speaker, and nearly 40 buttons.

 

In December of last year, however, Jackson was selected to receive the Kapten PLUS while in its trial stages, and he hasn't looked back.

 

Jackson, an avid traveler, said he appreciates the new freedom the Kapten PLUS provides him.

 

Prior to becoming acquainted with the Kapten PLUS, Jackson recalled often having to ask for or confirm directions with others, which was challenging at

times due to people's lack of specificity.

 

However, devices like the Kapten PLUS are not meant to replace leader dogs.

 

"The technology can get you close, and the dog will get you the rest of the way," Jackson explained. "This technology, combined with the dog, really is

a winning combination."

 

Abraham emphasized that the Kapten PLUS is a stepping stone in terms of the blind and visually impaired achieving more complete travel independence.

 

"We're trying to start a social movement," he said. "There's great technology out there right now that we'd like to see a manufacturer put into use for

people who are visually impaired or blind, (but) manufacturers don't think about this really, really tiny segment (of the population)."

 

For now, Jackson said he's enjoying his new device and has even adapted it for use in Canada.

 

"People are going farther, faster, and doing it safer than ever before," Jackson said.

 

For more information about the device and its capabilities visit

www.leaderdog.org.

 

(Rochester, Michigan)

http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2011/05/27/news/srv0000011842849.txt?viewmode=fullstory