In a recent development, Louisville, Kentucky’s Mayor Greg Fischer, known for his vibrant and dynamic approach to city governance, announced a significant change: the city’s airport would be renamed the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. This move is part of an effort to bolster Ali tourism, positioning it alongside the Kentucky Derby and bourbon as key attractions for the city. According to Mayor Fischer in an interview with NPR, the legacy of Ali as both a humanitarian and a celebrated athlete presents an inviting image for Louisville. Maryum Ali, Ali’s daughter, expressed her belief that her father would have been honoured by this recognition, especially as it celebrates a Muslim figure.
During my visit to Louisville last month, following the Derby, my agenda included discussions on the city’s data utilization and plans to enhance fibre optic connectivity. Mayor Fischer, reputed in the smart city circles for his penchant for data and compassion, is steering the city through challenging times, including a $35 million budget shortfall primarily due to increased state-mandated pension contributions. This financial strain is prompting swift and significant budget cuts across various city departments, casting a shadow over Fischer’s administration.
In the midst of these challenges, I encountered a promising startup, Access Explorer, which is making strides in improving accessibility for the blind and visually impaired within Louisville. With the city’s support, Access Explorer has developed an app called Indoor Explorer, now available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. This tool aids visually impaired individuals in navigating public spaces, with Louisville’s public buildings being some of the first to be mapped and stored on OpenStreetMap, an open-source platform.
Access Explorer, initially a project of the Louisville-based American Printing House for the Blind, has made significant inroads in enhancing indoor navigation for the visually impaired. According to CEO Jose Gaztambide, the app not only supports navigation through various public spaces but also enriches the experiences of users by informing them of nearby points of interest, such as restaurants, they might otherwise miss.
The technology behind Indoor Explorer includes Bluetooth 5.0 beacons for location signalling, although the team is exploring more precise positioning technologies to improve user experience. Despite the presence of indoor navigation solutions from tech giants like Google and Apple, Access Explorer’s focus on accessibility for the visually impaired sets it apart, offering voice-enabled interfaces and tailored user experiences.
The efforts of Access Explorer highlight the broader societal imperative to ensure accessibility for all, a principle underscored by the Americans with Disabilities Act. While some building owners may have reservations about indoor mapping due to security and privacy concerns, the initiative by Louisville and Access Explorer demonstrates a proactive approach to making public spaces more accessible, particularly for the blind and visually impaired.
Louisville’s collaboration with Access Explorer represents a beacon of progress in challenging times, showcasing the city’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity. As Access Explorer continues to expand its offerings, Louisville stands as an exemplary city, embracing both the challenges and opportunities of building a more accessible and navigable environment for all its residents.
