Blind Wayfinding Data-Sharing Standard
Connecting the Dots for Inclusive Navigation
Access Insights is spearheading the development of an open data-sharing standard aimed at unifying blind navigation tools, wearable devices, and AI-powered scene description systems. This initiative seeks to create a cohesive, hands-free experience for blind and visually impaired travelers by enabling real-time communication between diverse assistive technologies.
Explore the Proposal and API Specification
Blind Wayfinding Data-Sharing Standard
Toward Seamless Interoperability in Assistive Navigation
Access Insights is leading the development of a proposed open standard to address a growing challenge in blind navigation and wayfinding: fragmentation. Today's assistive technologies—ranging from GPS navigation tools to AI-powered scene describers—often operate in isolation, limiting their effectiveness when users move between applications or devices.
This proposal outlines a framework for real-time data exchange between apps, devices, and services supporting blind and visually impaired users. The goal is a unified, hands-free navigation experience that allows diverse tools to work together seamlessly and intelligently.
Objectives
- • Eliminate the need for users to manually switch between apps
- • Enable cross-device and cross-platform collaboration
- • Improve navigation accuracy, scene interpretation, and real-world usability
- • Foster innovation by allowing new solutions to plug into a shared ecosystem
Proposed Approach
Phase 1: Proof of Concept
- • Define high-impact use cases (e.g., turn-by-turn navigation, object recognition)
- • Partner with early contributors across the assistive tech industry
- • Develop and test a prototype API with real users
- • Refine based on usability feedback and performance testing
Phase 2: Industry Standardization
- • Identify and engage industry bodies to support adoption
- • Expand the network of contributors and technical advisors
- • Publish a formal specification and promote adoption through advocacy and collaboration
Key Considerations
- • Designed for privacy, user control, and secure data handling
- • Real-time performance optimized for wearables and mobile devices
- • Scalable for future integrations, including AI and multimodal interfaces
- • Prioritizes accessibility, simplicity, and hands-free interaction
Blind Navigation & Wayfinding API Specification
Enabling Real-Time Interoperability for Inclusive Navigation
As part of the broader Blind Wayfinding Data-Sharing Standard, this open API specification provides the technical foundation for real-time data exchange between assistive technologies used by blind and visually impaired travelers. Designed to unify mobile apps, wearables, AI-powered services, and navigation platforms, this API defines how devices can communicate to create seamless, context-aware user experiences.
Key Objectives
- • Interoperability: Standardize communication between apps, devices, and services supporting navigation, object recognition, and scene description.
- • Scalability: Built to support emerging technologies and growing device ecosystems.
- • Privacy & Security: Implements OAuth 2.0, AES-256 encryption, and user-controlled consent mechanisms.
- • Real-Time Performance: Supports WebSockets and edge processing to enable low-latency, live interaction.
- • Monetization Ready: Offers optional features for usage-based pricing, value-added services, and data licensing under ethical guidelines.
Technical Highlights
- • RESTful architecture with JSON-formatted requests and responses
- • Real-time updates via WebSockets for scene and navigation data
- • Role-based access control for users, service providers, and enterprise partners
Standardized endpoints for:
- • Navigation guidance
- • Object recognition
- • Scene description
- • Device pairing and management
Sandbox environment and dev tools (API Explorer, Postman collection, CI/CD hooks)
Privacy & Compliance
- • Supports GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA (if applicable), and WCAG 2.2
- • Offers end-to-end encryption, opt-in user consent, anonymization tools, and on-device processing
- • Transparent deprecation and versioning policy with developer alerts
Designed For
- • Assistive tech developers
- • AI and smart assistant platforms
- • Public transit and mobility providers
- • Wearable device manufacturers
- • Accessibility researchers and standards organizations
Build with Us
Shape the Future of Inclusive Navigation
Whether you're developing assistive technology, integrating with wearables, or advancing public infrastructure—this API is your gateway to accessible, real-time interoperability. Join the ecosystem and help make navigation smarter, safer, and more inclusive.
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