Legally blind people have achieved autonomy in many aspects of their lives, but rarely have true independence when it comes to getting from point A to point B. They can walk, take public transport or depend on friends and family for transportation.
The National Federation of the Blind is working to change that. The Federation’s Jernigan Institute is partnering with Virginia Tech to take a giant first step in creating a vehicle that the vision impaired can drive. Together they built an open-air buggy, outfitted with laser range finders, a voice command interface, and a vibrating vest to let drivers know when to turn, slow down and break.
Wes Majerus was one of the first blind people to test drive the car earlier this month. Wes is an acess technology specialist with the National Federation of the Blind’s Jernigan Institute, and he joined us on the line from Baltimore to tell us more.
Wired's Autopia blog: Students Build a Car the Blind Can Drive
Scientific Blogging: Blind People Behind the Wheel? Yes Indeed
(Photo courtesy of Virginia Tech)
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