‘ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled’
Hello Neighbour,
In June 2017, CNIB officially opened our Community Hub at 1525 Yonge St., and over the next year we expect around 10,000 people with sight loss will visit the neighbourhood. This number is only going to grow as we build our programs.
We want to help you, our neighbour, make your business more accessible and inclusive. That's what our 'ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled' program is all about. With 'ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled', customers with sight loss will be able to explore your business more easily and independently. When your business is ‘BlindSquare Enabled’, people with sight loss can use an app that gives them a spoken description of your business, including your business name, the goods or services you sell, and the layout. The app also gives customers other information, such as the names of the roads they are walking along, or where the bus stops are.
How does ‘ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled’ work? When you join the 'ShopTalk' program, we’ll give you the tools that make it work. Small (7cm x 7cm) battery-powered devices will be placed inside your business entrance and they will silently ‘communicate’ with the BlindSquare app through low energy Bluetooth signals. These devices are known as ‘Beacons’ and are have information about your business. The Bluetooth signals do not use any special wiring or WiFi, and don't interfere with any other technologies (i.e. security systems). Even better, beacons aren't large or noticeable; they can be placed easily onto a ceiling or a wall, and can be removed without any marking or damage to the wall surface.
Where will the ‘BlindSquare’ Beacons be located?
During the first phase of the program, 200 Beacons will be placed in businesses along Yonge Street; just south of St. Clair Avenue all the way to Heath Street.
How do I get a Beacon? It’s easy – once you contact us to let us know you would like to join, the CNIB team will work with you to setup and program the beacons so you don’t have to lift a finger. We will give you a small sticker to put in your window to show that you are taking part in the 'ShopTalk' program. We expect the media will be interested in the program. Their news stories will not only be a great marketing tool for your business, but also a great way to let customers know you are making your business more accessible and inclusive for people with sight loss.
Will there be a cost?
No. Participating in the ‘ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled’ program is cost-free. The Beacon and programming are free of charge for at least one year, and although we are looking into funding opportunities to remain on the network after the year is up, there is no obligation to continue to take part.
How do I download the app?
‘BlindSquare’ Event is available for download for free on the iTunes Store. It can be downloaded by anyone using an iPhone or iPad, and can be used at Yonge and St. Clair and surrounding neighbourhoods from Bloor to Lawrence.
If you are ready to be a part of this positive community program, get your beacon, or if you have any questions, please contact us today!
Ray Smith - Coordinator, Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
Cell: (437) 992-3789