Micromobility operator Voi has announced the roll out of its partnership with the Lazarillo app to improve accessibility for blind and visually-impaired people.
Through this partnership, Voi is integrating its service with the Lazarillo app allowing those who are blind and visually-impaired to receive real-time voice messages on scooter parking locations and report any poorly parked scooter directly to Voi using the ‘Alerts’ feature in the app.
This allows for easier communication between Voi and Lazarillo app users and improves overall safety and accessibility for blind and visually-impaired people. The service is currently available in Bristol, Liverpool and Birmingham with more cities in the UK to be added in the future.
Voi said its number one priority is the safety of all road users, particularly those who are vulnerable. With over two million vulnerable people in the UK suffering from sight loss, this API integration with the Lazarillo app makes it easier for blind or visually-impaired people to safely and confidently go about their daily lives.
The Lazarillo app, available for free on iOS and Android, is used by over a quarter of a million blind or visually-impaired people across the globe, including thousands of users in the UK, to safely guide them through busy and often cluttered streets. Companies and public entities use Lazarillo’s open-source mapping technology to link their information in an accessible format, which the app relays as real-time voice messages to enable people with disabilities to navigate through indoor and outdoor spaces.
Jack Samler, general manager at Voi UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the Lazarillo team. Not only are they aligned with us in terms of our goal to build safer and more accessible cities for all but, most importantly, they support our mission to be a responsible and inclusive business and our commitment towards Vision Zero.
“As the demand for micromobility services continues to grow across the UK, this partnership is one step forward to ensuring everyone can benefit from the introduction of this new sustainable transport mode, including those who are vulnerable.
“We look forward to getting feedback from Lazarillo’s blind and visually-impaired people in Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool and we look forward to continuing to work with Lazarillo to roll out this service in other towns and cities.”
