RNIB React in one of our biggest cities
Speaker units have been set up on a chosen route around Newcastle city centre. Users carry a small fob device, which triggers the unit to announce a message when within range. The pre-recorded messages give brief information about the location of that sign to help people with sight loss orientate themselves.
Where are we now?
So far a total of 40 units have been installed throughout Newcastle City centre and the Metro, the Newcastle underground system.
There are 17 units installed in the city centre located on Northumberland Street, Blackett Street, Percy Street and St.Thomas' Street. There are further 20 units located within Monument and Haymarket Metro Stations with 3 more leading to the RVI Hospital eye clinic. A full list of unit locations is available on request.
Who was involved?
Newcastle City Council worked closely with RNIB and Nexus who are responsible for the Metro system in the city centre.
To make sure the system would provide real benefits to local blind and partially sighted people, the City Council also consulted with key local organisations. The group included representatives from:
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Newcastle Disability Forum
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Newcastle Society for Blind People
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Newcastle College
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Northumbria University
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Newcastle University
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The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
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Newcastle Council's Sensory Support Team
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Gateshead Sight Service
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Henshaws Society for Blind People
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Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary
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Tynesound News
What the future holds
Newcastle City Council are committed to continually developing the system and would encourage feedback for the future development of the RNIB React scheme.
What is RNIB React?
RNIB React is the talking sign system that helps people who are blind and partially sighted find their way around town centres, safely and independently. When linked to real time information signs, it can also help people decide which bus or train they want to catch.
Contact us
Business Development Team
RNIB Innovation and Development
Phone 01733 37 53 45
Email busdev@rnib.org.uk
Would you like to use the Newcastle system?
Daily and permanant loans of the trigger fobs
Trigger fobs are available on a daily loan basis. A refundable deposit of £20 is required. You may also be able to get a fob on permanent loan. They can be obtained from:
Central Arcade Tourist Information Centre
Phone 0191 277 8000
Email tourist.info@newcastle.gov.uk
Newcastle Shopmobility
Eldon Garden Shopping Centre
Phone 0191 261 6176
Email shopmobility@newcastle.gov.uk
Civic Centre Customer Service Centre, Newcastle
Phone 0191 232 8520
Nexus Travel Shop, Central Station Metro
Phone 0191 203 3426 (contact name is Abrehe Zemichael)
Email abrehe.zemichael@nexus.org.uk
For general information about the Newcastle system
Accessible Services
Phone 0191 277 7528
Email disabilityequality@newcastle.gov.uk
Visit newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/mibreact