A new audio/haptic teaching programme developed by The Royal National College for the Blind (RNCB) could have wide application in the tourism industry.
The Talking Tactile Tablet, known as T3, is touchscreen technology which speaks to the user and can be programmed in layers so that each touch produces more and more detailed information.
Although the system has been produced as a teaching aid, RNCB spokesman Chris Stevenson said it could have wide application outside the college.
“We’re discussing the possibility of talking rail timetables but T3 could be used for many applications in the travel industry,” said Stevenson.
The system, which looks like a laptop computer, has been designed for classroom use, but the college is developing a pedestal which could house the unit in public places of interest.
The T3 hardware would sell for about £600 but the cost of writing the programmes to deliver bespoke information would depend on the complexity required.
“We believe there is nothing the system can’t deliver,” said Stevenson.
With a 130-year history as a college for the blind, RNCB has also developed impressive facilities and services to aid accessibility.
“We offer a full Braille, large print and audio transcription service for tourist attractions which want to improve their accessibility profiles,” said Stevenson. “We work on many projects including brochures, menus and price lists.”
The college offers low vision awareness courses for commercial enterprises such as restaurants, airlines and train operators and will also perform website assessments for accessibility.
T3 has its own website at www.talktab.org and the college can be found at www.rncb.ac.uk. For further information you can also call the college on 01432 265725