Historic Breakthroughs to be Unveiled in 938-mile Iditarod Expedition
New GPS technology opens new vistas to visually impaired

February 2, 2004, Seward, Alaska—Jim King will demonstrate just how inaccurate the label “disabled” really is. He is the first blind person to record the Iditarod National Historic Trail with GPS technology. Jim is part of a three-week 938-mile expedition that embarks on a journey to celebrate the unique cultural and diverse history of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which connects over 26 native villages in Alaska’s vast interior. It is one of only 16 national millennium trails designated by the National Millennium Council in 1999.

Jim was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, an eye condition that led to total blindness early in his youth. But that hasn’t slowed him down much – or stopped him from realizing his dreams. A competitive athlete and avid biker, Jim won the silver medal in the U.S. Downhill Ski Races for the Disabled in 1993. 

Former director of the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Jim now lives in Maine and works with the state’s Division of Services for the Blind and Visually impaired. He is a tireless advocate and living example of the independence and achievements that are possible for people with ‘disabilities’.
“I am bursting with excitement to make this incredible trek,” said Jim, “not only for the sheer adventure and challenge of it, but because it gives me a opportunity to open people’s minds—sighted or not—to the fantastic technology I’ll be using that makes it possible.”

Alaskan Express Freight Sled Expedition Celebrates Unique History of the Iditarod Trail

The purpose of the three-week expedition is to connect the people, land, history and culture along the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The expedition team will do this by promoting the ability to travel safely and communicate anywhere along trail while they preserve its past and imagine its future. The 5-member expedition team will take an 8-foot freight sled with them during the entire trek. Snowmobiles will be used to pull the sled. They will travel an average 50 miles a day through sub-zero temperatures, frequent blizzards, and arctic winds. When not staying with local villagers, the team will set up camp. 

The expedition team will stop at 26 villages and communities to share and gather information. Ron Arnold, organizer of the expedition and director of the Iditarod National Millennium Trail, Inc. will interview, record and video tape the expedition.
 
King To Demonstrate GPS-powered Voice Note Technology to Village Classrooms

Using the VoiceNote GPS device donated by sponsor Pulse Data HumanWare, Jim will make the first GPS recording of the Iditarod trail. He will also demonstrate this technology to schoolchildren in approximately 15 villages. 

The Pulse Data HumanWare VoiceNote GPS has two main functions: receiving and recording. In a receiving mode, the device receives signals that pinpoint a person’s exact location via a network of 24 GPS (global positioning system) satellites that continually orbit the earth. Then it connects the user to a massive database that has over 700,000 preprogrammed points-of-interest, including restaurants, museums, hotels, and parks.

The receiving mode is used primarily for route planning along city streets and previously mapped areas. For example, using the VoiceNote GPS, a blind person can easily find her way back to the hotel she is staying in without having to memorize a route or rely on mobility or orientation instructors. (NOTE: she still needs a cane or dog guide). Voice commands tell her what direction to go in, where and when to turn, and how far away she is from her destination at any given time.
 
In the recording mode the device tracks and records an exact route, which can be stored and shared with other users or uploaded to a database or website. This is the mode that will be used primarily on the expedition. Using the GPS recording of The Iditarod Trail, other travelers (sighted or not) will literally be able to re-trace the expedition’s journey.

“I want to make people aware of the fantastic technology that’s now available to assist blind and visually impaired folks,” said Jim King. “My aim is to speed up the use and adoption of products like the VoiceNote to help people lead more independent lives.” 

About the Voice Note
The VoiceNote was developed by Pulse Data. GPS software solutions were jointly developed with the Sendero Group. It is the first product that gives the blind and visually impaired portable access to reading and writing anywhere, in a compact unit half the size and weight of a laptop, with about 10 times the battery life. VoiceNote GPS solutions with maps were first introduced late in 2003. They are available in the United States and United Kingdom. Pulse Data HumanWare produces a variety of other blindness and low vision products such as the BrailleNote GPS, which has the same functions as the VoiceNote GPS with the addition of a Braille display.
For more information about the VoiceNote, BrailleNote or other Pulse Data HumanWare products, call 1-800-722-3393

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.