Hi everyone,

I just saw a neat story on the Today Show that highlighted the navigation technology being developed by Ed Gallagher and his company, Genoa Connections. 

Genoa Connections is a state of the art audio/video technology that allows communication between a visually impaired end user and a remote guide.  It allows true mobility as the visually impaired user is given information to guide them through any task that needs to be completed as long as a wireless signal and information on the internet can be accessed.

Here's how it works.  The blind user wears a simple webcam attached to a head band.  They also have a an earbud microphone, much like you see cell phone users wear.  This facilitates verbal communication between the blind user and the guide.  The combination of the audio and video is fed through Skype, the free VOIP (voice over internet protocol) application that many people throughout the world use to call and video chat with.

Genoa can provide an extra set of eyes in making activities of daily living much easier.  And because of its portability the system can be easily deployed at home, school or work.  This provides companionship while traveling with or without a guide dog or cane.

This is pretty amazing technology that's allowing Ed the ability to sail by himself, travel to distant locations and complete shopping tasks in order to pick out the right products and make sure the correct change is given back during a transaction.  It also shows promising applications in such areas as one-to-one on-the-job training for visually impaired users.  Employent opportunities are huge hurdles for people with all sorts of disabilities, so hopefully Genoa Connections can assist in leveling the playing field!

I'll keep you posted.

-Ben