insignia have been supporting Vision Australia aid the blind and visually impaired by donating printed barcode labels for use with a new voice-assistive technology, the ID Mate.
This hand-held scanner enables low-vision or blind individuals to identify items using a product’s barcode by relaying the product’s name and details back to the user once the item is scanned.
It uses an Omni-directional scanner, which can read the barcode in any direction – the user simply rotates the scanner around the product to get a reliable read, every time.
Working with GS1 Australia, Visual Independence was able to bring this technology to Australia and pre-load the device with over 1 million items, so that when a barcode is scanned, the ID Mate will automatically recall the information.
Users can also record their own information on a particular barcode number too, so the uses are really quite limitless: From labelling CDs or important documents, to simply identifying food in the kitchen, the ID Mate has already helped hundreds of people regain their independence.
insignia were fortunate to have Kasey Henriksen from Vision Australia demonstrate the ID Mate at the recent sales conference. Two of their Business Development Managers, James and Manfred, were the volunteers and whilst being blindfolded they were able to experience the ease of operation of the ID Mate, which can make a difference to so many people’s lives.
insignia are supporting their community with such an exciting and beneficial innovation as the ID Mate. Vision Australia provides services, facilities, and information to visually impaired persons.
Visual Independence aim to bring happiness to the blind and low visioned through the use of assistive and adaptive technology. Both are not for profit organisations and rely on the generosity of the community to continue their good deeds.