For decades, the go-to solution for making buildings accessible to blind or low-vision guests was braille signage. However, braille can only convey so much information on a sign, and over 90% of the blind community cannot read it.
This is where RightHear comes into play. The company helps organizations make their locations more accessible through a talking signage system, which is now installed in more than 2,000 venues worldwide — including such businesses as McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
After an initial consultation and overview of a venue, setting up RightHear’s system starts with the simple step of sticking sensors — or “beacons” — to various spots inside the building. The beacons connect to an online dashboard, where administrators can create the most detailed audio descriptions they can imagine. For example, see the description of a library’s reception desk in the picture below.
For another example of the level of detail possible, check out this video of a RightHear-enabled McDonald’s in Canada, where the audio descriptions at the entrance let customers know they have to pull the front doors to enter the restaurant.
People who are blind or have low vision can access the RightHear system with the company’s free app, which is available for both Android and iOS. It also supports 35 languages.
For more information about RightHear, visit this website, or check out our interview with the company’s Co-Founder and CEO Idan Meir on Assistive Technology Update.