As summer approaches, here are some great products for the blind and vision impaired spending time in the great outdoors, anywhere from the Eastern Seaboard to the West Coast. Turn blind trails to happy trails with some simple assistive technology.
- Dual Sound Liquid Level Indicator: This product can be useful on the trail, as it’s pocket-sized and uses a simple 9-volt battery. The indicator will give off a series of warning beeps when liquid is nearing the top of the container, then will shift into a continuous tone when liquid is in danger of spilling over. It makes a great item to take on a camping trip or hiking on the blind trail for keeping hydrated.
- Pocket Magnifier with Pouch: For the vision impaired, the magnifier makes a great pocket-sized item to take along to read maps, trail markers or even instructions to mix energy drinks along the trail.
- STEP-HEAR Base and Activator Units (sold separately): This pairing lets anyone with severe visual impairments go on blind trail hikes. The base unit can be strategically placed along the trail with pre-recorded instructions. Once the activator is within 12 feet of the base unit, it will vibrate. The user presses a button, and can listen to audible instructions warning against obstacles, changes in trail elevation or footing, or any other pertinent information.
- Cell Phone Pop-Up Magnifier: This device can be implemented for vision impaired hikers so they can read incoming text messages from fellow hikers or alerts on weather changes or conditions. It’s also great for magnifying the map on your GPS (global positioning system) unit.
