The Intersection of Travel and Disability
In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University researchers, Pittsburgh International Airport has created a suitcase and a smartphone app to assist blind airport travelers to navigate the terminal. The rolling suitcase has been nicknamed “BBeep” and is reported to help blind people navigate crowded airports, according to a TribLive report by Tom Davidson.
Find some of the best assistive products on TravelAbility Summit’s Fab 50 list.
Last February, NBC’s Harry Smith went climbing with Erik Weihenmayer, the adventurer who has conquered some of the most dangerous places on earth. He also happens to be blind. Click here to watch the TODAY show video, including the end, where every newsperson at the table looks scared out of their mind just talking about the climbs Weihenmayer lives to complete. It’s really an amazing story that puts life in perspective.
Among the most celebrated accessibility initiatives in 2018 was the Blind Faith Upgrade Kit launched by Isobar India, part of the global Dentsu Aegis Network. The kit includes Braille labels that can convert any phone into a Braille-enabled phone, reusable-tactile paving tiles to help customers negotiate their room in the hotel and an audio assist pen to help guests read menus and more. It was first introduced at Hotel Ramada in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and the campaign really put them on the map. The company won a prestigious CLIO award (which recognizes innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design, and communication) recently. You can see a short film about the kit and learn more in this NewzHook report. READ MORE
The Brazilian company Hoo-Box.com has developed a Wheelie Kit (shown left), which uses a 3D camera to read 14 facial expressions (even a wink or a raised eyebrow) to navigate a wheelchair. The technology is particularly helpful for people who lack the ability to move their body below the face or neck. It uses AI and machine learning—and as Hoo-Box-ers like to say, it’s fully smile-compatible. Here’s an interview with their founder, Paulo Pinheiro. SEE THE VIDEO
Good news for the travel community: Inclusive and accessible mobility will continue to be a focus in 2019. In addition, trip planning that uses technology will also grow considerably this year. Other trends include (everyone’s favorite) data sharing and curbside management. While there has been much discussion over the past few years about how significant an impact curb usage has on mobility, 2019 will bring actual pilot projects that show how to effectively manage the curb, explains Carol Schweiger in this recent Intelligent Transport report. READ MORE
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