Robotic, AI Guide Dog Under Development

by Financial Review    Guide dogs are a great help to vision-impaired and blind people, assisting them to navigate their surroundings and get to where they need to go.    But they’re not for everyone. Some people have allergies that make dogs unsuitable; others might not want to take on the responsibility of looking after …

Blind Author Shows Disabled As Real People

by Victoria Ivie San Gebriel Valley Tribune    Growing up blind, Fullerton-based author Melissa Whitney voraciously consumed representation of the blind community in media, hoping to connect with inclusive characters that reflect her and her disability.    “I always wanted a book where I could see myself as a main character,” Whitney said. “I can …

Robot Cane Device For The Blind Being Tested

by Kevin Burton    Researchers are testing what they believe will be a revolutionary robotic mobility device for the blind.    This is not your father’s cane. The device, called “Glide,” was demonstrated Saturday at the sixth annual Robot Block Party, a celebration of robotics, held in Boston.    “The device incorporates robotics, sensors, and …

Café Owner To Pay Fine For Discrimination

by Lisa Steacy CTV News    The owner of a B.C. café has been ordered to pay a woman, who is legally blind, $12,000 in compensation for discrimination after she was refused service because she had a guide dog.     The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal ruled on the case last week and the decision was …

Blind Man Suing County For False Arrest

 by Kevin Burton    A legally blind Florida man who was falsely arrested Oct. 31 just for carrying his cane is filing a suit against the local government.    James Hodges was stopped for questioning, then arrested after Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies mistook a folded cane he was carrying in his back pocket, for a …

Blind Man Arrested For Wrong “Crime”

by Kevin Burton    Blind people: use your canes!    Or else, say police in Columbia County, Florida.    Two Sheriff’s deputies have been suspended after they arrested 61-year-old James Hodges for “resisting arrest.”   Hodges, who is legally blind was carrying a folded cane in his back pocket. One of the deputies mistook the cane …