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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
Listen to Ian McCrea on the Newcastle Scheme (March 2009)
With kind permission of BBC Radio 4 'In Touch'
How it Works: Sight impaired residents and those working in Newcastle Upon Tyne who have serious difficulty navigating around the City Centre email information tel 0191 277 7528 or The Sensory Support Team Telephone 0191 278 8100 for a REACT two button fob.
if you have a REACT 2 button fob for your town you mayl be able to use this or if a visitor you will be able to hire a fob from the Tourist Information Shop which is in the Central Arcade just off Grainger Street pedestrian precinct not far South from Grey's Monument, or from Shopmobility in Eldon Gardens or from selected Metro Travel Shops and other places (See City Link below).
To access the system you keep the fob switched ON (by pressing both buttons together) and as you approach a talking signpost you will hear a chime followed by an audio message in English telling you your location, followed by a short ding then directions. You must listen to the set of directions according to where you are approaching the sign FROM or in some cases you will stand with your back to the building line. 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 pilot scheme routes commence in Grainger Street at the Central Arcade entrance to the Tourist Information Centre, and take you to the Royal Victoria Hospital for 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. Units continue to the hospital which is a further half mile North.
The project was initiated by Newcastle Disability Forum when Newcastle City Council has paid for 17 signs, Nexus has paid for their 12 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 Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI)
3. Central Station Area - No signs yet (South)
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