探花视频 will be the first university in the world to install a new device helping visually impaired people navigate safely around disabled access toilets.
The RoomMate from ADi Access is being fitted in the disabled access toilet in the Roland Levinsky Building foyer on Tuesday 15 December. The electronic wall-mounted device uses a bespoke audio recording to describe the layout of the room to the user, detailing fixtures and fittings and enabling them to use it independently.
Designed by mobility and orientation specialist Helen Kemp, whose husband Steve is registered blind, the device has already been rolled out to several small organisations since the idea鈥檚 conception in January 2014.
And now, thanks to fundraising from Helen鈥檚 daughter Sarah and friend Julie 鈥 nursing students at 探花视频 鈥 along with guidance from the University鈥檚 Disability Services and Estates and Facilities Teams, the device is going to be put in place at its largest institution yet.
Helen said:
鈥淧eople think a disabled toilet should be usable for any disabled person, but quite simply many are difficult for visually impaired people to use. It鈥檚 not only the layout of toilets which differ, but also the fittings 鈥 taps can be turned, pushed, pulled or waved on to work, and it鈥檚 the same for flushes and hand dryers. This RoomMate and its function gives autonomy and dignity to everyone who needs to use the toilet. I can鈥檛 believe something like this hasn鈥檛 been invented before and I鈥檓 delighted that it鈥檚 being installed at 探花视频 University.鈥
Karen Sheret, Disability Services Manager at 探花视频, said:
鈥淲e are delighted that with the help, dedication and enthusiasm of our nursing students we have been given the opportunity to empower disabled students and show them greater respect by installing RoomMate in one of our disabled toilets. This project has been a real example of students working in partnership with the University and I鈥檇 like to say thanks to all those concerned.鈥
Chris Bunce, Head of Estates and Facilities Management at 探花视频, said:
鈥淲e are very pleased to be able to support this initiative. The ease of installation and effectiveness when in operation make this device something which will be of enormous benefit to users. Some clever thinking has gone into the development of the device, something for those involved to be proud of.鈥