Talking Signs

• In June of 1998 the Orientation and Mobility Department received a demonstration set of a new technology called Talking Signs®. This infrared wireless communication system was purchased for us by the ISVI Alumni Association last spring. Our demonstration set consists of four transmitters which emit short audio signals to two hand-held receivers that decode the signal and deliver a voice message to the user. This provides directional landmark identification and labels the environment for distant viewing by persons with visual impairments. We thank the Alumni of ISVI for providing us with this gift. We are privileged to have one of the first sets of Talking Signs ® in the Midwest!
   

• Mobility instructor Jim Strader has been busy demonstrating the use of the signs to our students, staff and others in the area. Several support groups of blind people in nearby communities, the State Convention of the Illinois Council of the Blind, the Springfield Center for Independent Living, and a personal meeting with  Ms. Karen Hasara, the former mayor of Springfield are some of the recipients of these demonstrations. 
   

• Many cities are using the Talking Signs® in new public buildings, at intersections and crosswalks, in public transit stations, on public buses, and at ATM machines. With auditory signage built in to more and more public places, some day it is hoped that everything now labeled in print can be made more accessible to persons having visual impairments. The city of San Francisco has installed hundreds of Talking Signs® in such places. More information can be found on the internet at: http://www.talkingsigns.com.

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