Genoa Services.org is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco that helps visually impaired persons to navigate their everyday world. The Genoa system employs state-of-the-art audio/video technology permitting communications between a visually impaired end-user and a remote guide. The blind users are not tethered to stationary computers but rather to light weight, hands-free equipment. This allows true mobility as the end user is given information to guide them through any task virtually anywhere there is a wireless signal and access to all the information contained on the internet.

Not only can Genoa provide an extra set of "eyes" in making day-to-day living much easier; but the portability of the Genoa Connections system can be employed at home or school. It provides companionship while traveling during shopping excursions.

Blindness comes in many forms. Some people are blind from birth, but others may develop the condition later in life from such diseases as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis, or stroke related blindness. Despite the efforts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the visually impaired population has a 70% unemployment rate. Genoa Services can provide the means for live one-to-one job training, enabling the blind to become viable members of the work force and rejoin the community at large.

We have operated with end-users and guides in various geographic locations and in a number of situations requiring reading printed material such as signs and product labels, inspecting the freshness of fruit and vegetables and verifying the face value of currency received from others. An additional benefit is that the guide who may be otherwise home bound can observe the end-user’s experiences first hand, providing a virtual way for the guide to get out and engage in the world again.

How does it work?

The blind user employs a simple system of a tiny "web-cam" mounted on a headband with attached microphone and ear bud to communicate with the guide at their computer. Although there is currently a one and half second delay in the visual communication, the audio connection still allows for accurate guiding of relatively slow motion activities such as walking, shopping or even sailing. 

Genoa Services is partnering with Rotary Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area District 5150 to raise funds for the local beta testing of 10 volunteer teams. Belmont Rotary and the Rotary Club of Woodside/ Portola Valley have raised $7,000 towards the goal of $11,000. Donations can be made directly through the Genoa Services website: www.genoaconnections.org.

What can you do?

• We need beta testers in the San Francisco Bay Area—both blind or visually impaired end-users and remote guides
• We need people with technical computer and communication skills to help with the testing program
• We need people who know how to write successful grant proposals
• We need your charitable donations to help fund the development, distribution and testing of the systems
• Join our mailing list
• Provide a tax deductible contribution to our Belmont Rotary Foundation
• Send us your ideas at admin@genoaconnections.org