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New Phone App Helps Blind Students Get Around Columbus State Community College

at Columbus State Community College
Jo Ingles
Columbus State student Patrick Simmons demonstrates the new technology

New navigation technology made possible by the state is helping blind students at Columbus State Community College get around the campus easier. 

A phone app called Blindsquare is being used at the Columbus campus to help blind students maneuver their way around without assistance. The head of the state agency that helps disabled people live independently says it provided the $10,000 needed to install the system. Kevin Martin says this technology is part of an effort by the state to help blind and deaf Ohioans be able to get the education they need to get good jobs.

“When you are talking about those who are ready to work, you are talking about roughly 175,000 people and we engage roughly 30 plus thousand so we know there is a gap," Martin says.

The app also helps blind students access the local bus line. Governor John Kasich hopes universities throughout Ohio will also install the technology on their campuses.

Contact Jo Ingles at jingles@statehousenews.org.
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