The Miniguide

The Miniguide works best in conjunction with another aid, such as a Guide Dog or a long cane.

Miniguide.

The Miniguide is a hand-held device about the size of a matchbox, which helps people with vision impairment to move around safely and confidently in a variety of environments.

The miniguide is an advanced handheld sensor package that works like a bat - it can scan both left and right when you're walking, sending out ultrasonic beams that bounce off objects nearby. When the Miniguide detects an object, it provides feedback (either vibration or an auditory beep, depending on model). The closer you are to an object, the more feedback the miniguide provides.

The Miniguide is easily programmable for different uses and environments, depending on the user's needs. The beam width and length can be altered according to the activity and surrounding environment. It can also be used in conjunction with a wheelchair, a walking frame or a baby's pram.

The miniguide is useful to:

Avoid street furniture and poles
Locate doorways and gaps
Locate buses and taxis
Locate traffic poles
Locate the clothesline or wheelie bin
Detect overhanging obstacles
Follow fences and walls to maintain direction
Check whether automatic doors are open
Check that someone hasn't moved before you speak

The Miniguide should be used in conjunction with another aid, such as a Guide Dog or a long cane. The Miniguide indicates what's in front of you, while the other aid checks the ground for drop-offs such as kerbs and edges of railway platforms. It's powered by a small lithium battery and an AAA battery for the vibratory unit.

How was the Miniguide developed?

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT were the first blindness organisation in Australia to train people with the Miniguide. It was researched and developed by Greg Phillips of GDP Research in South Australia.

How can I learn to use a Miniguide?

Our Orientation and Mobility Instructors train clients to use the Miniguide safely and proficiently, using a program that is tailored to their individual needs.

We've also developed a Miniguide training manual, which assists our instructors to assess and train people with this new aid.

Learn more about the Miniguide Training Module

How can I find out more?

For more information, contact your local Guide Dogs office or visit the inventor's website - GDP Research. This website contains more detailed information about the Miniguide, including operating instructions, reviews and video clips of it being used.