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N.E. Region Visual Impairment
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Talking Signposts in Newcastle - The new REACT version 3 Wayfinder Pilot Scheme
How it Works: After the launch in 2008 Severely Sight impaired residents and those working in Newcastle Upon Tyne who have serious difficulty navigating around the City Centre can apply to The Sensory Support Team Telephone 0191 278 8100 for a REACT two button fob.
If you are a visitor you will be able to use an existing Wayfinder REACT fob, if you have one for your town, OR you may hire a fob from the Tourist Information Centre and Shop which is in the Central Arcade just off Grainger Street pedestrian precinct not far South from Grey's Monument.
To access the system you keep the fob switched ON and as you approach a talking signpost you will hear a loudspeaker on the sign chime followed by an audio message in English telling you your location, followed by directions. You must listen to the set of directions according to where you are approaching the sign FROM. The audio will continue as long as you are near the sign and you keep the fob switched on so if the audio starts early or you miss anything wait for the repeat.
The Location of the signs in this starter pilot scheme commence in Grainger Street at the Arcade entrance to the Tourist Information Centre, and take you to the Royal Victoria Hospital or their Eye Department via The Monument Metro Station where there are signs on every platform, You can walk a route using Northumberland Street or Percy Street or take the Metro to the next station which is Haymarket, where there are also signs on every platform, however as their are major works in hand here some signs may not be working. Signs continue to the hospital which is a further half mile North.
The project has been initiated by Newcastle Disability Forum and Newcastle City Council has paid for 30 signs, Nexus has paid for their 30 signs and the RVI have paid for their 3 signs. There has been a contribution from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The signs are designed and supplied through The RNIB. The messages have been decided by local visually impaired people.
Maps of sign units
1. Haymarket Area (North) excludes RVI
3. Central Station Area - No signs yet (South)
