Going Places Orientation & Mobility

30/03/2026

Ever heard of NaviLens?

It’s a powerful app that helps people who are blind or have low vision navigate public transport with real-time information. Using your phone’s camera, it can detect special NaviLens codes from a distance—helping you identify the correct approaching tram and track your journey live while you’re onboard.

In this video, I’m at the Melbourne University tram stop, using my iPhone to scan NaviLens codes on the timetable board and even on the approaching tram—making travel more independent and accessible.

Technology is becoming an essential tool in orientation and mobility in 2026. As new innovations continue to emerge, they’re opening up more opportunities for independence, confidence, and safer travel than ever before.

26/03/2026

26/03/2026

Weekend O&M

Want to improve your mobility on weekends? I’m offering personalized Orientation & Mobility sessions every weekend to fit your schedule. Let’s make time for your goals! To book a session or ask any questions, feel free to call or text me directly. You can also visit my website to learn more.

📞 Call/Text: 0424 860 836
🌐 Website: www.goingplaces.net.au
📧 Email: darren@goingplaces.net.au

26/03/2026

METRO MONDAYS

Come and explore Melbourne’s new stations during a complimentary Orientation and Mobility session.

Gain a greater understanding of station layout, platform design, entrances, and accessibility features.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Town Hall Station – April 20
State Library Station – April 27
Parkville Station – May 4

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Learn strategies to navigate the metro tunnel in small groups.

Bookings essential – reserve your spot

Register now:
Email: darren@goingplaces.net.au
Phone: 0424 860 836

17/03/2026

Shopping just got a whole lot easier 👕

I tested out ChatGPT’s video feature while browsing at Rebel Sport—and it can describe clothing in real time. From colours and styles to small details you might miss, it helps people who are blind or have low vision make more confident choices.

The real surprise? It can even flag when something doesn’t quite match or feels irrelevant to what you’re looking for.

Game changer for independent shopping.

17/03/2026

Those beeping pedestrian crossings you hear in Melbourne are called audio-tactile signals.

They were developed in Melbourne in the early 1980s to make road crossings safer for people who are blind or have low vision. The system was created by a design team including David Wood, Louis Challis, and Frank Hulscher.

When it is safe to cross, the push button produces a rapid beeping sound that tells pedestrians the walk phase has started. Underneath the button there is also a small rotating cone that vibrates, which allows people who are deafblind to feel when it is safe to cross the road.

This Melbourne-born invention has since been adopted around the world and helps many people who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind travel more safely and independently.

16/03/2026

VoiceOver is the screen reader built into the iPhone that makes the phone fully accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. 📱

Instead of seeing the screen, VoiceOver reads everything out loud — icons, buttons, messages, and notifications. Users navigate by touching the screen and using simple gestures, like swiping left or right to move between items and double-tapping to activate them.

With VoiceOver, someone who is blind can send messages, use apps, navigate with maps, browse the internet, and control their entire phone independently.

Accessibility features like this are what help people travel, communicate, and participate fully in everyday life.

30/11/2025

17/09/2025

What Is Structured Discovery?

Structured Discovery is a dynamic approach to learning orientation and mobility that’s all about exploring, problem-solving, and discovering for yourself. Rather than being told each step, you’re encouraged to use your other senses, build confidence, and develop the skills that truly support independent travel.

This method recognises that people who are blind or have low vision experience the world in unique and valuable ways. Sight isn’t the only way to understand the world — there are countless ways of knowing, navigating, and discovering.

At GOING PLACES ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY, we partner with you to find your best learning style. Together, we blend Structured Discovery with the latest assistive technologies — from GPS navigation and AI-driven tools to wearable devices and emerging augmented reality solutions. With these tools, combined with proven teaching methods, you’ll have even more opportunities to build freedom, resilience, and independence.

👉 Want to learn more? Visit http://goingplaces.net.au or call Darren on 0424 860 836 — we’d love to chat with you!

Pictured is a man walking with a long cane toward the Swanston Street crossing from the Flinders Street tram stop. It is a sunny day and he is wearing dark clothes.

25/06/2025

We are excited about our next Explorers United Adults program coming up on Friday 4th of July withh the topic NAVIGATIONN TECH.

This program will be based in the Melbourne CBD and we will be  exploring and trialling the following technologies.
-Ray Ban Meta Glasses
-Google Maps and its advanced features such as Live View and the detailed voice guidance option.
-Navilenz to identify approaching trams.
-Voice Vista to hear more about your surroundings with spatial audio.

This session on Friday 4th of July runs from 10 am – 4 pm. After learning about these technologies, we will put them to the test to travel together out for lunch before finishing up at Flinders Street Station.

If you are interested in attending or want to find out more, please contact Darren on 0424860836 or Marnie on 0423783760. 

Image description: a man with black hair wearing a pair of sunglasses using a GPS application on his phone.