Norfolk woman calls app which helps visually impaired people use train stations "ground breaking"
The tech - which uses augmented reality - has been given over half a million pounds in government funding
A blind woman from Norfolk has heralded an app which helps the visually impaired use train stations as "ground breaking".
The tech, which uses augmented reality to create walking routes for those who need them, is one project which has recently been given over half a million pounds in funding from the Government.
The app has been developed by Makesense Technology, who are based in Bromley.
"That's one big scary thing for me"
Rachael Andrews told us why she thinks this change has come now:
"Before, unless you knew somebody who was disabled, you wouldn't know about this stuff. Planners and designers are only going to be exposed to people with these issues, if they come across them.
"Now that there is social media and more coverage in general to what our issues are, people are being be aware of them and so therefore they can help to change them.
"Although it would be massive expense, I like the idea of the Elizabeth Line's platform safety doors that line up with the train doors, so you cannot go off the end of the platform, because that's one big scary thing for me."
What are the next steps?
-Large scale trials with blind volunteers in collaboration with Blind Veterans UK.
-The interface technology will undergo further development and refinement.
-The technology will likely go go to market in late 2024 and cost around £4000.