A NEW ‘smart’ system installed at a centre in Llandudno is helping blind veterans to communicate better and live more independently.
The system, called Alexa Smart Properties, has been installed at Blind Veterans UK Llandudno centre by Amazon and Solution Provider Vocala.
It enables blind veterans to get assistance with orientation around the centre, access information including menus, entertainment and call reception with Alexa-to-Alexa calling by using only their voice.
It also benefits the carers meaning they can make announcements and voice and video calls to other Alexa-enabled devices throughout the centre.
Blind Veterans UK is one of the first organisations in the UK to install Alexa Smart Properties.
John Quintas, Director of Inclusive Communities at Amazon, said: “Our support to Blind Veterans UK allows us to demonstrate Amazon's commitment to all people with disabilities and our military communities around the globe.
"Our Alexa technology improves the quality of life for veterans by helping to make their lives more independent, accessible and fun.
"We are honoured to support Blind Veterans UK and to help transform their centre in Llandudno.”
Blind veterans UK provides rehabilitation, training and support.
The charity’s Smart Centre will help veterans in three ways:
Orientation – A blind veteran will be able to self-orientate within any area of the Centre by asking Alexa. This includes getting from point A to point B and locating objects within a specific room
Access to information - A blind veteran will be able to find information such as what’s for lunch, fire safety procedures, and access news on the charity and its history by asking Alexa
Access to services - A blind veteran will be able to find out what events are scheduled and listen to radio by asking Alexa.
Kathy Boardman, Blind Veterans UK Llandudno Centre Manager, said: “Having identified the need to make our centres truly centres of excellence, including in technological advancement, we reached out to Amazon Web Services to find solutions. We’re very excited to have Alexa as an integral part of the team at our Centres for Wellbeing.
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“Supporting our blind veterans with access to information, navigating their way around the site, making informed decisions, and interacting with others will be life-changing for everyone, especially the person adjusting to a vision impairment and, with our support, rebuilding their life after sight loss.”
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