ST. GEORGE — The St. George-based nonprofit organization Hearsee Mobility is set to showcase its revolutionary technology, a game-changer for the blind and visually impaired, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from Jan. 9-12.
Hearsee Mobility has developed an indoor navigation system that provides step-by-step audio directions to specific places inside buildings, as well as descriptions of their surroundings, to visually impaired individuals. This program, which utilizes a specially developed smart cane, allows them to explore new indoor environments like schools and stores independently.
According to research from the National Federation of the Blind, as many as 30% of blind people often avoid exploring new places due to safety concerns and the challenge of navigating unfamiliar environments. Hearsee Mobility’s technology is aimed at breaking down these barriers, offering a new level of freedom and confidence for the 60,000 legally blind residents of Utah, which includes over 1,100 children.
Hearsee Mobility is especially proud of the relationships they’ve built with members of the blind community during their time of development.
“This project is the result of a five-year collaboration with the blind community,” said James Bloomfield, the organization’s president. “They decided what they wanted in a navigation system and how it should work. We just facilitated their vision.”
This relationship sets Hearsee Mobility apart from other organizations. Members of the blind community have had a say in system features, the design of the cane, the marketing direction and even the organization’s name and slogan.
“Being part of the design process and at the helm of providing feedback about the needs of our community has truly been the best part,” said Everette Bacon, president of the National Federation of the Blind’s Utah chapter and a Hearsee Mobility board member.
Hearsee Mobility is now proud to be one of only a handful of registered nonprofits and service organizations showcasing their work at the Consumer Electronics Show.
CES is a renowned event that attracts over 150,000 attendees and showcases the best upcoming technology from around the world. Hearsee Mobility’s participation puts a spotlight on the needs of the visually impaired and positions St. George as a leader in innovative, inclusive technology.
The event will feature a hands-on demonstration of the navigation system and smart cane along with a display of artworks created by blind individuals, including a hand-carved wooden bowl by blind woodworker Ray Wright and a textured painting featuring “Hearsee” written in Braille by blind artist Danielle Frampton, both of Salt Lake City. This aims to raise awareness and demonstrate the capabilities of the blind community.
“We are uniquely positioned as a nonprofit in the service tech industry. We don’t want the cost of installation and smart canes to be another burden on the blind, so we rely 100% on donations to implement this technology into buildings around town,” Hearsee Mobility Development Director Susannah O’Brien said. “It’s our goal to not only introduce this life-changing program to the world, but to meet like-minded individuals who are interested in supporting our work for the blind.”
Hearsee Mobility’s showcase at CES 2024 represents more than just technological advancement; it symbolizes a move toward a more inclusive society. As the community of St. George stands behind this initiative, O’Brien said there’s a growing sense of excitement about the positive impact this technology will have, both locally and beyond.
Visit hearseemobility.org for more details about their innovative technology and the stories of people they help. Or to join in supporting this trailblazing endeavor from St. George.
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