Tampa, FL and Lazarillo evaluate the effectiveness of app-based assistive maps in public spaces

Startup helps the blind navigate spaces in Tampa - St Pete Catalyst

Navigating streetscapes and buildings in complete darkness, due to visual impairment, is an overwhelming task that a new startup is solving for the City of Tampa. Chilean-based tech company Lazarillo creates accessible indoor and outdoor maps of public buildings and parks by using audio on a smartphone to guide people, essentially serving as a GPS

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The City of Tampa has implemented a new pilot project focused on improving accessibility for people that are blind or visually impaired. The City has worked alongside assistive technology company Lazarillo to create accessible indoor and outdoor maps of public buildings and parks that can be navigated with audio guidance using a smartphone. Among these locations are Old City Hall, the Tampa Municipal Office Building, and Julian B. Lane Park.