Scenic Audio logo that includes the shapes of audio waves as mountains

now Everyone can enjoy the scenic route

You don’t have to see to make change.
you just need a little vision for the future.

The inspiration

Until now, accessibility for people with vision impairment has been all about raw information. But what if we could take things a step farther and make accessibility more evocative, allowing it to convey the splendor and beauty of the world around us? Well, if you believe in the power of dreams, anything is possible.

Collaborators

To develop Scenic Audio, we worked closely with Perkins School for the Blind, with additional collaboration from Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind. Both are dedicated to creating a world where those with visual impairment can reach their maximum potential and unlock every opportunity.

The technology

Scenic Audio uses cutting-edge AI tech and a wealth of data to weave together a captivating real-time narrative that paints vivid pictures of the world passing by outside a car window. There’s a lot going on under the hood to make it all possible.

the story

Samples of location-specific output

Image of a road running along the California coast. It's a foggy and misty day and a rock juts out of the ocean just offshore.

CA-1, Monterey, CA

Latitude: 36.31552779856464
Longitude: -121.89112673244477

“We're cruising along the coast with a dense fog hugging the roadway. To our right, a misty ocean view opens up with a solitary island like a giant’s stepping stone in the vast gray waters. The overcast sky makes the spring green on the rolling hills muted, almost mystical. The road itself bends ahead, inviting us to discover what wonders lie beyond the misty veils of the California coastline.”

A sunny 5 lane road running along Lake Michigan to the right. On the left the street is lined with green trees and buildings in the background.

Lake Shore & Banks, Chicago, IL

Latitude: 41.90654719011317
Longitude: -87.62503345649722

“We're cruising along Lake Shore with the vastness of Lake Michigan on our right, its large expanse merging with the blue horizon. Freshly leafed green trees, stripped by winter, line the road, patiently waiting for summer to fully clothe them. Tall buildings rise up ahead, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant clear sky. The lakefront path invites strollers and cyclists despite the brisk wind whipping off the lake. Ahead, the street bends, promising more of this urban meets nature tableau.”

A busy street in New York City lined with old trees that create dappled shade throughout the image. Old brick buildings to the left.

5th Ave, NYC

Latitude: 40.77366268000709
Longitude: -73.96616566221705

“Rolling along Fifth Avenue, we're flanked by a lush corridor of trees in early bud, their leaves just now beginning to unfurl. The stately apartment buildings with their classic facades stand in contrast, witnesses to countless seasons. Shadows play across the street, and the mingling of late afternoon light with the dappled shade creates a tranquil cityscape that feels timeless.”

A man with his eyes closed, sitting in a car with his phone held up to the car window.
A hand holding a phone up with a mountain scene in the background. The Scenic Audio app is on the phone screen and has copy on it that describes the scene.
Man in passenger seat of car listening to phone mounted to window.
A woman sitting in a car as its driving, she is wearing glasses and a black jacket. Her phone is help up in front of her.

Execution is everything

The Perkins School for the Blind's Howe Innovation Center sits at the intersection of innovation and disability. It’s designed to unlock the power of the entrepreneurial and disability communities to create purpose-built solutions for a more accessible world.

The Perkins School for the Blind’s team was integral in testing and refining the functionality of Scenic Audio. Because even the most groundbreaking ideas, with the best intentions, are useless if they’re not brought to life properly.

What users Are Saying

“I felt like I was with a tour guide. And it's wonderful.”

— Jerry B.

“This really levels the playing field for everyone. Everyone that's young old, has a disability doesn't have a disability. It  makes you feel like a star in your own show. In your own story, if you will.”

— Tanja M.

“I would finally feel… on the same page with everyone else in the car rides.”

— Cassandra X.

“The app wonderfully described so much richness and emotive nature and buildings and everything else that's surrounding us. It was it was lovely, awesome.”

— Josh L.