2 months ago
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BAGUIO CITY — The city government continues to explore innovations and technologies to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
A new audio-tactile device called "Pedestrian Blind Man" is currently on a demonstration run to test its effectiveness in aiding visually impaired persons navigate pedestrian crossings with ease.
Acting City Engineer Richard Lardizabal said three sample devices were installed along Harrison Road on March 3, 2025, by a private company and supervised by representatives from the City Engineering Office and the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
The city will test the effectiveness of the device through an actual and experiential run with visually impaired persons in the Summer Capital.
The PDAO will also arrange site visits with groups of visually impaired individuals to gather their feedback and suggestions as end users.
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The findings will be relayed to the City Engineering Office (CEO).
The device is equipped with audio capability that guides pedestrians through alternating sounds on whether to stop or continue walking when in the pedestrian lane.
The device will remain or, when necessary, may be transferred to more strategic areas. It will be used until the PDAO has gathered enough feedback and made its recommendations.
Based on the feedback, the CEO will also submit its recommendations on whether the city can adopt the technology.
