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Pulse Data HumanWare adds GPS Features to BrailleNote
CONCORD, CA (November 4, 2003)—The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Pulse Data HumanWare are pleased to announce that a 5 percent discount on selected Pulse Data blindness-related products, including the BrailleNote, will be offered to members of the NFB. In addition, Pulse Data is pleased to announce that the BrailleNote, one of the market’s most advanced notetakers for the blind, has updated its GPS (global positioning satellite) technology to include maps.
GPS systems have become increasingly popular with the general public and can be operated on a PDA (personal digital assistant) or purchased as an after-market accessory to be used while in an automobile or boat. The BrailleNote added GPS support last year. With the addition of maps the power of GPS systems has now been fully adapted to meet the needs of the blind. The addition of maps to the BrailleNote will allow blind people to receive comprehensive location and points-of-interest information in real time, for example, knowing the next street crossing while riding on a bus, or finding walking directions to a restaurant, or giving driving directions to a taxi drive.
Additionally, the ‘virtual tour” function allows the exploration and familiarization of any area or neighborhood from the comfort of home. Just as sighted people check a map prior to going on a trip blind people can now do the same on a BrailleNote.
About the size of a print textbook, the BrailleNote family of products uses the Windows CE operating system to support specialized hardware and software technology. The device includes either a Braille or conventional “qwerty” keyboard and speech output or speech output with a Braille display.
“This is an important new feature of the BrailleNote and especially for blind people who use GPS systems. This allows a blind person to benefit from the detailed information available about a particular place—be it a college campus, a new city, or a vacation destination,” stated Dr. Marc Maurer, President, National Federation of the Blind.
“The BrailleNote GPS does not replace a cane or dog guide, but rather adds new information about a blind person’s environment,” said Jim Halliday, Pulse Data HumanWare’s president emeritus. “Sighted people can walk down any street and check street signs and shop marquees. With this technology, blind people can now do the same,” Halliday stated.
About the NFB
With more than 50,000 members and 700 local and state affiliates and chapters, the National Federation of the Blind, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. NFB members believe that with effective training and equal opportunity blind people can reduce the impact of this disability from tragedy to physical nuisance. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation’s blind.
About Pulse Data HumanWare
Pulse Data HumanWare is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pulse Data International of Christchurch, New Zealand. Established in 1988, Pulse Data has established a strong reputation for producing innovative low vision and blindness products that combine high quality and excellent performance with user-friendly features and outstanding reliability.
Pulse Data HumanWare specializes in assistive technology for persons who are print impaired due to blindness, low vision, or learning and reading disabilities.
Media Contacts:
Betsy Zaborowski, Psy.D.
Director of Special Programs
bzaborowski@nfb.org
410-659-9314ext. 357
Patricia Maurer
Director of Community Relations
communityrelations@nfb.org
410-659-9314, ext. 272
Jim Halliday
Pulse Data HumanWare
jhalliday@humanware.com
800-722-3393, ext. 222
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