BlindSquare Event At the Pedestrian Mall

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

A person is holding an iPhone and white cane at an intersection within the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in St. John's.

The City of St. John's piloted the use of BlindSquare at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in 2022 as a wayfinding and navigation tool. The BlindSquare Event App provides audible, custom location information which increases accessibility for pedestrians who are blind, have low vision or those who prefer to use a wayfinding and navigation support.

Feedback from the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in 2020 noted there were concerns with wayfinding for persons with disabilities and that BlindSquare might be a tool the City could implement.

During 2021, City staff worked with BlindSquare and the CNIB to apply the technology for use at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. The app was then launched as a pilot project. The app currently works for iOS devices; the company is working on an Android version for 2023.

As this was a pilot project, the City is interested in receiving feedback from users and potential users of the BlindSquare Event App to inform a recommendation to Council. Check out the information on this page, share a story, take a few minutes to complete the survey or put your name forward for the user focus group.

The City of St. John's piloted the use of BlindSquare at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in 2022 as a wayfinding and navigation tool. The BlindSquare Event App provides audible, custom location information which increases accessibility for pedestrians who are blind, have low vision or those who prefer to use a wayfinding and navigation support.

Feedback from the Downtown Pedestrian Mall in 2020 noted there were concerns with wayfinding for persons with disabilities and that BlindSquare might be a tool the City could implement.

During 2021, City staff worked with BlindSquare and the CNIB to apply the technology for use at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. The app was then launched as a pilot project. The app currently works for iOS devices; the company is working on an Android version for 2023.

As this was a pilot project, the City is interested in receiving feedback from users and potential users of the BlindSquare Event App to inform a recommendation to Council. Check out the information on this page, share a story, take a few minutes to complete the survey or put your name forward for the user focus group.

Consultation has concluded
  • What We Heard

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The What We Heard document is now available and will be presented during Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, along with recommendations for future use of the app.

    The public engagement process included an online survey with 26 responses, a total of 74 visits to the project page , and meetings with the CNIB, and the city’s Inclusion Advisory Committee.

    Feedback received during public engagement was primarily positive with a consensus for the City to continue to implement the BlindSquare Event app as a wayfinding and navigation tool at the pedestrian mall, and to explore its use in other locations.

    During the pilot project, the application was not available on Android devices, and this was noted as being a concern for some people. BlindSquare have indicated that an android version is in development but have yet to confirm an official release date.

    Pending the app being available for both iOS and Android, key stakeholders and public engagement participants favour continued use of the app during the 2023 Downtown Pedestrian Mall event.