GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR THE DISABLED

The Police Agency in Japan has developed a high-tech navigation system that
will help disabled pedestrians avoid traffic accidents.

With portable devices, pedestrians will be able to receive moment by moment
accurate up to date information by satellite.

Devices designed for visually impaired people will convey audio information
and can inform the disabled pedestrian that the light is green, red or about
to turn red.

Other devices for people in wheelchairs and those with hearing difficulties
will display a map on the screen. The map will show the area within a 500-meter
radius from the device and can indicate paths that are easily accessible by
wheelchair.

The map will also point out the locations of bus stops, stations and
landmark buildings in the area.

In addition, the portable device will allow users to extend the time of a
green light so that people in wheelchairs can cross the street safely.

In Japan there are about 650,000 people with seeing and hearing
impairments, and about 1.657 million people with walking difficulties.

They could really  benefit from this new system.

(Source: Asahi Newspaper)


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