Have you ever thought if the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology could help the visually impaired?

If the answer is yes, then just read on!

As of now, the GPS technology can't help visually impaired people commute without help… it has the potential to do so, but there are many practical problems.

First, they would need a GPS receiver. Some modern receivers can work alone, but these are not accessible to people, who are visually impaired. So, they'll also need a computer, the special GPS software, digital maps, and a speaker or earphones.

GPS will tell them where they are and where they need to go, but it will not stop them from bumping into things or falling down holes. So they would still need their long cane or guide dog. Other technologies do exist to help visually impaired avoid obstacles. These include the Miniguide, the Laser Cane and, for blind wheelchair users, there is the Wheelchair Pathfinder.

Most of these problems will, however, become less significant as the technology is developed.