RNIB flags how what3words tech can support blind and partially sighted people
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and what3words are calling on UK event organisers and venue managers to provide additional address information in order to help blind and partially sighted people to arrive exactly where they need to be.
what3words has divided the globe into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares and given each one a unique address.
Robin Spinks, RNIB’s Senior Manager Inclusive Design and Innovation, says: “As someone with sight loss, I know from experience that street addresses often don’t provide precise locations.”
“They might take you to the right building but then you’ve got to work out if you’ve come to the right entrance or need to be on the other side of the building entirely.”
“Using what3words can help to reduce that anxiety and uncertainty and the extra time saved can be spent catching up with a friend or kicking off a business meeting rather than apologising to them for arriving late.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-founder and CEO at what3words, adds “It’s been amazing to hear from RNIB how technologies such as what3words can make a huge difference to the day to day experience of blind and partially sighted people.”
“As businesses across the UK plan for a return to public events this spring and summer, we’re encouraging them to publicise their three word addresses to give people more ways of finding exactly where they need to be.”
Among the venues displaying their what3words address to help customers find them more easily are The 02, Wembley Stadium, Alexandra Palace, University College London, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Arsenal FC's Emirates Stadium.
