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Parks Victoria and Guide Dogs Increasing Access to Green Space this Summer
Victorians with low vision or blindness will have better access to the outdoors this summer following the pilot installation of new navigation technology at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill – the first Parks Victoria site to install the innovative technology.
Parks Victoria 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), BlindSquare describes where a user is in the park and aids them in finding their way around, including areas not covered by standard GPS like walks, public toilets, picnic areas and barbeques.
“The implementation of BlindSquare at Jells Park is a leap forward for the low vision and blind community, enabling safe and independent access to green space which is so important for the physical and mental wellbeing of all Victorians – especially after a year where we have been greatly restricted,” said Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes.
“Guide Dogs Victoria is proud to have collaborated with Parks Victoria on this project, and we hope to see Blindsquare rolled out across more spaces across the state.”
“Parks Victoria is all about getting more people out into nature and enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer. We were thrilled to work with Guide Dogs Victoria to help make Jells Park more accessible for people with low vision or blindness.”, said Parks Victoria’s Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator, John Kenwright.
BlindSquare is also available for destinations around the Melbourne CBD and a range of public venues, such as Melbourne Zoo, Bourke Street, Swanston Street and all train stations in the City Loop.
For further information on the BlindSquare contact Guide Dogs Victoria or go to the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/.
