Global Positioning Satellite, or GPS, is changing the way people travel. Most GPS systems have a screen on them which shows users the names of upcoming roads and includes small maps. But now GPS is helping the visually impaired get around. 

New GPS systems are being created specifically to help the visually impaired. Using a tracking system which is linked to a satellite in space, the system tells visually impaired users which road they are walking on, which intersections are near them, and where shops and buildings are, including restaurants and hotels. Instead of a map, the system “speaks” using audio to direct users. 

Currently the systems can tell directions, and even be used to find specific places such as restaurants and shops. Eventually the creators of the systems hope the devices will be so advanced, they can tell which items are on sale in a supermarket. A report by the BBC lists that most GPS tracking systems cost approximately $1,000 or more. But some systems, such as the StreetTalk GPS system, cost more in the range of $600. 

An article by USA Today shows that GPS systems are useful to those with visual impairments even if the user has a guide dog. With guide dogs, getting places can sometimes be difficult for the visually impaired: owners and their dogs can safely get around, but even with the most talented guide dog, users still need to ask if they have reached their destination, or how far it is to a particular place. 

Several guide-dog schools have now initiated training programs for the visually impaired and their guide-dogs to learn to use the GPS systems. Because the systems will never replace guide-dogs, training schools do not consider the GPS systems a threat—instead they see them as welcome supplements.  

Interested in buying a GPS device? Try the following websites.
Trekker: http://www.humanware.ca/web/en/p_DA_Trekker.asp
StreetTalk: http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/StreetTalk_pricing.asp
Sendero GPS: http://www.senderogroup.com/ 

Source from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2503149.stm
Source from USA TODAY: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2006-09-18-gps-blind_x.htm?POE=click-refer