News
Moreland City Council and Guide Dogs Makes a Big Splash
March 2021: Victorians with low vision or blindness will have improved access to multiple leisure centres across Moreland City Council following the installation of new navigation technology.
Moreland City Council has partnered with Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) to facilitate the installation of BlindSquare, the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app. Through Customised Location Services (CLS) and bluetooth beacons, BlindSquare describes where a user is in the leisure centre and aids them in finding their way around, including areas not covered by standard GPS like pools, gym, sports halls, and public toilets.
Moreland Mayor, Cr Annalivia Carli Hannan said Moreland was excited to have had the opportunity to partner with Guide Dogs Victoria to bring this technology to our YMCA Coburg Leisure Centre, Fawkner Leisure Centre, Brunswick Baths and Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre.
“Ensuring our aquatic and recreation facilities are as accessible as possible for all our entire community is a top priority. We hope this new technology will encourage more people to get out and get active,” said Cr Annalivia Carli Hannan.
Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes said, “The implementation of BlindSquare at Moreland City Council is integral for the low vision and blind community, as it enables safe and independent access to leisure centre which is so important for the physical and mental health of all Victorians”.
“Guide Dogs Victoria is proud to have collaborated with Moreland City Council on this project, and we hope to see BlindSquare rolled out across more spaces across the state.”
Guide Dogs Victoria Client, Lauren Henley said, “Brunswick Baths is a fantastic venue with incredibly helpful staff but getting around the centre can be a little tricky when you can’t see where you’re going”.
“I’m really excited about the independence this new technology will give me and can’t wait to try it out for myself.”
BlindSquare is also installed in the Melbourne CBD and a range of public venues, such as Melbourne Zoo, Bourke Street and Swanston Street and all the train stations in the City Loop.
Users can download the free version of BlindSquare called ‘BlindSquare Event’ to use at all sites where BlindSquare is installed.
For further information on the BlindSquare, contact Guide Dogs Victoria or go to the Moreland City Council website https://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/.
