Right-Hear Expands Indoor Orientation for Blind and Low Vision Users with Real-Time Updates

Shanell Matos, Community Manager at Right-Hear, has confirmed on Double Tap that the company’s indoor orientation system is now available in over 2,000 locations worldwide, helping blind and low vision users navigate public and commercial spaces independently. The service provides real-time spatial information via beacons and markers, allowing users to understand the layout of their surroundings without turn-by-turn navigation.

Right-Hear focuses on “orientation” rather than traditional navigation. “We are not telling you where to go,” Matos explained. “We make sure a blind or low vision person is aware of what is around them and where it’s located in relation to their body in the moment.” The system can identify locations such as elevators, reception desks, and seating areas, with information updating instantly in the app when changes occur.

Businesses implement Right-Hear by installing beacons for general area awareness and markers—enhanced QR codes—for detailed points, such as specific tables or displays. Both systems can be updated in minutes through a central dashboard, enabling dynamic messages like construction warnings or wet floor alerts. Smaller businesses can adopt markers alone as a lower-cost option.

The app is free for users on iOS and Android, with no data collection or sign-in required. Costs are borne by venues, and Right-Hear offers grant support for organisations seeking to improve accessibility. The platform also supports 35 languages, benefiting not only blind and low vision users but also people with dyslexia, cognitive differences, or language barriers.

Matos noted that community advocacy is critical to expanding coverage. Right-Hear encourages users to suggest locations through its “Unlocker” programme and provides templates and direct support for engaging businesses and local authorities.

With indoor accessibility still a barrier in many public spaces, Right-Hear’s model of leveraging smartphones and real-time updates aims to create a more equal experience for blind and low vision users worldwide.

Resources
Right-Hear Official Website
https://www.right-hear.com/

Right-Hear Community and Advocacy Page
https://www.right-hear.com/community/

Right Hear on the iOS App Store
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/righthear-blind-assistant/id1061791840

Right Hear on the Google Play Store
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.righthear&_gl=1*1427t9v*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTM2MTk4ODg0MS4xNzc2NDI5MzAw*_ga_6VGGZHMLM2*czE3NzY0MjkzMDAkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzY0MjkzMDAkajYwJGwwJGgw