David's Story

Guide dogs lead blind people along known routes but when it comes to going to new places they are not much help. The Society purchased a pedestrian sat-nav “trekker” system for former architect David Wright so that he can get around more easily.

As David walks along with his guide dog the sat-nav gives him information such as the name of the town, street, direction to the next road junction, and essential details like house numbers and landmarks that we would take for granted.

The system picks up a signal from the satellites with the receiver and, via a blue-tooth connection, the audio output can be heard with a speaker or an earpiece.
While walking along the user is informed of the next junction on the left or right - “Three way intersection: High Street crossing Gordon Road on the left”.

The ABS also provided a bar code reader to enable him to label his possessions and identify them when he is alone.
He says, “It stops me feeding butter beans to the cat.”

Sight-loss is an increasing problem - the RNIB report that every day 100 people start to lose their sight. If you know anyone from the profession who could benefit from similar help, please put them in touch with the ABS.