Key2Access Pilot Project Promotes Safety and Inclusion
On November 29th of this past year representatives from Mount Pearl, Paradise and St. John’s announced the launch of a pilot project designed to enhance safety at busy intersections and crosswalks for people who live with sight loss or mobility challenges.
Key2Access is a new technology that offers an accessible alternative for requesting a pedestrian crossing that does not require the user to reach a button on a pole. The system provides access to the pedestrian push button using a fob or free mobile app and ensures that an audible signal is available for those living with sight loss. This wireless approach can also tell the user the street names and any additional information available to improve one’s ability to identify environmental factors so that they can cross an intersection or a crosswalk safely.
The municipalities of Mount Pearl, Paradise and St. John’s are piloting this new technology for one year at strategic locations, chosen in consultation with the CNIB, and their self-advocates.
Signalized intersections: St John's
- Kennas Hill and The Boulevard
- Westerland Road and Prince Phillip Drive
- Cowan Avenue and Topsail Road
Crosswalks: St John's
- The Boulevard East of CNIB Offices
- Kingsbridge Road at Winter Avenue
- Elizabeth Avenue at Newtown Road
- Elizabeth Avenue at Freshwater Road
Signalized intersections: Mount Pearl
- Commonwealth Avenue at Topsail Road
- Commonwealth Avenue at Ruth Avenue
- Commonwealth Avenue at Centennial Street
Stop sign intersections (virtual beacon): Mount Pearl
- Commonwealth Avenue at Glendale Avenue
- Commonwealth Avenue at Davids Avenue
Signalized intersections: Paradise
- Paradise Road at Topsail Road
- Karwood Drive at Topsail Road
- Carlisle Road at Topsail Road
Stop sign intersections (virtual beacon): Paradise
- Sunvalley Road at Topsail Road
- Shelby Street at Topsail Road
Debbie Ryan, CNIB Program Lead, Advocacy & Public Engagement “We applaud these municipalities for stepping up to improve accessibility. There is nothing more terrifying than trying to navigate crosswalks and busy intersections when you have low or no vision. In the prelaunch phase we have received very positive reactions to Key2Access. The benefits are going to extend beyond vision loss because those who find it challenging to access the buttons on the poles will find they can now do so with the help of a fob or the Key2Access app.”
Cindy Antle. Cindy is legally blind and has been advocating with the Town of Paradise to make her community more accessible.
“With Key2Access I can be more active by walking in my neighborhood because now I can cross at an intersection or crosswalk independently and with the confidence that I am safe.”
George Sweeney. George is legally blind and lives in the City of Mount Pearl. He has been advocating for greater accessibility in his community and a safer way to cross busy intersections.
“Key2Access is amazing, I can now cross three busy intersections safely and independently.”
Nancy Reid, Executive Director, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL
“I am able to activate the crossing signal using just the fob in my hand. As a wheelchair user, this enables me to control access to the signal even when environmental barriers like snow, soil and debris make it impossible for me to reach the traditional pole switch. The fob provides an opportunity to remove barriers to access for persons with mobility disability.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from this technology and you would like to know more contact CNIB at 709-754-1180, ext. 5811