As the distance of the object became shorter, the intensity of the vibrations would increase,” he says. “When I was near an object, the glasses would vibrate. In no time, his journey home became much easier with the iGlasses. When Rod brought it up to the team, they immediately contacted the supplier and sent a pair to Rod for testing. They use ultrasound bouncing off objects to alert the user to nearby objects. IGlassesRod became aware of object detection glasses called iGlasses™ Ultrasonic Mobility Aid. But it only has a limited coverage,” Rod explains.

“When I am out on the street, I must carry a mobility cane.

Though he has a mobility cane, he found himself bumping into people and getting stung by twigs on low-lying tree branches. Finding the bus stop becomes a breeze now.” “ when I am ten feet before reaching that bus stop, the GPS will report the landmark to me. “I no longer have to count the number of blocks I have walked, wonder where I am or ask people for directions,” says Rod, who is unable to read street signs and addresses. The talking GPS also allows the user to program landmarks towards which it will guide.īy September, the device was delivered and a two hour training session was arranged at the CNIB. It announces street names and upcoming intersections. The team promptly found an assistive technology solution for Rod - the Trekker Breeze+ Talking GPS. In August 2015, the assessor conducting a workplace accommodation assessment at his office referred him to the Neil Squire Society’s Program to help him overcome his barrier. “Finding the bus stop on my own was an impossible endeavour,” he says. The bus loop on his way home is a wide open space and poorly illuminated. Working in Vancouver, but living in Coquitlam, Rod has to make the trek to and from work every day of the work week via transit. Rod is a credit adjudicator at a financial institution. “Being night blind, I always have to guess what is in front of me and around me when I am walking in the dark.” “Night travel used to be a very stressful adventure,” explains Rod. Being partially sighted and night blind, the commute home from work used to be a nightmare for Rod Tam.

Iglasses ultrasonic mobility aid