TORONTO, ON – In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and in partnership with BlindSquare, CNIB is pleased to announce that BlindSquare’s navigation and wayfinding app, “Blindsquare EVENT” is now free to use for all Canadians with sight loss from coast to coast.
BlindSquare is an accessible indoor navigation system that uses physical beacons and GPS data to deliver audio instructions to smartphones. The BlindSquare EVENT app, which is available for free on the Apple App Store, communicates detailed points of interest and provides directions for safe, reliable travel in both indoor and outdoor environments.
In partnership with BlindSquare, CNIB has brought the accessible technology to countless new places across the country. From community parks to college campuses to government offices and more, BlindSquare’s accessible navigation technology has been integral in helping to break down barriers to inclusion.
Prior to this announcement, access to BlindSquare EVENT was provided exclusively within select “event areas”, but after today, Canadian users can enjoy free and unexpired access to the app – no matter where they are. Meaning that they do not have to be within a specified “event area” to access the full functionality of the app.
"BlindSquare is a product of feedback, suggestions and requests from our communities in over 185 countries translated into 26 languages. We listen, we continue, we love what you allow us to do together," says Ilkka Pirttimaa, CEO and creator of BlindSquare. "Cheers to the next 10 years of life-changing tools and creative partnerships."
To learn more about BlindSquare visit blindsquare.com
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About CNIB
CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit www.cnib.ca.
About BlindSquare
BlindSquare is the world’s most widely used accessible GPS-app developed for the blind, deafblind, and partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s self-voicing app delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside. Open the doors to enhanced independence with BlindSquare. To learn more visit blindsquare.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BlindSquare?
BlindSquare is the world’s most widely used accessible GPS app developed for people who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s self-voicing technology delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside.
What's the difference between BlindSquare and BlindSquare Event?
BlindSquare and BlindSquare Event are two different versions of the same app.
BlindSquare Event is the free version. This app is enabled within certain locations when a BlindSquare “event” is created using a geofence. It provides the same functionality as the paid version, as long as it's used at the time and location of an event that has been registered with BlindSquare. It does not include offline maps, so you need an active Internet connection (a data plan) while using it outdoors.
Now, in honour of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, and in partnership with CNIB, Canadian users will have free and unexpired access to BlindSquare’s EVENT app from coast to coast – no matter where they are. Meaning that they do not have to be within a specified “event area” to access the full functionality of the app.
BlindSquare is the paid version of the app, which currently costs $39.99.
What is a BlindSquare Enabled Event?
A BlindSquare Enabled Event is a permanent location sponsored by a business or organization to provide accessibility in their buildings, facilities, and/or grounds. This means that the business/organization has had customized BlindSquare infrastructure (including Beacons, GPS points, etc.) installed in their location to make navigating easier for people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind.
Where can I download the app?
If you don't have either the free BlindSquare Event app or the paid BlindSquare app on your iPhone, you will need to download at least one version to access BlindSquare app. Select this link to download the BlindSquare Event app for free. Select this link to download the paid BlindSquare app for $39.99. When using either version of the app, make sure you enable "share location" and Bluetooth.