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GPS receivers in general are not accessible by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Several companies have developed software which uses their own equipment to access the map information displayed on a GPS receiver and speaks or displays the information in braille.

Users can receive information about the relative positions of nearby points of interest. The software can tell the user which direction to go to reach a target location and identify points of interest along the way.

Users can program personalised travel routes and favorite spots, as well as use millions of points of interest supplied with the system. Electronic maps are available for Australia and other countries around the world.

Because a person who is blind or with low vision needs to purchase the GPS receiver as well as the software to get the information from the GPS receiver, talking GPS systems can be relatively expensive.

Several accessible GPS systems are available in Australia. Most of these systems require not only the GPS receiver, but an accessible portable notetaker on which the special GPS software runs.

There are two standalone accessible GPS units available on the market. They are the Kapten Plus GPS and the Trekker Breeze.

If you use an iPhone or iPad, you can download some user friendly GPS apps that work well. These apps do not always provide the level of detail you might need when walking around in an unfamiliar environment, in which case the Trekker Breeze or Kapten Plus may be the preferred option.

Please note: this product listing does not constitute an endorsement of these products by Vision Australia.