Built Environment Network (online) Oct 2025

Wayfinding for All at Schneider Electric

We are delighted to be joined by Rick Blair, Senior Principal Digital Accessibility Program Manager at Schneider Electric. They will delve deeper into their Disability Smart finalist submission, focusing on Schneider Electric’s innovative pilot project at their Boston City Hub. This innovative approach empowers individuals with visual impairments to navigate independently using Bluetooth beacons and a mobile app, significantly enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Rick will also be talking about their plans for further roll out, and other technical solutions they are investigating. There will be time for discussion, so please come prepared to get involved.

Technology and navigation of built environments with sight loss

Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, Jamie Bruce from world-leading sight loss charity Guide Dogs will share how people with vision impairments navigate internal and external environments. They will provide us with a greater understanding of how you can make sure your workplaces and customer facing spaces are accessible and usable for the two million people estimated to be living in the UK with sight loss.

Based on Guide Dogs expertise and his own experience, Jamie will provide general insights on how people with vision impairments navigate, highlighting why colour contrast, materials that support effective acoustics and tactile elements are vital. As well as this, the session will explore the current and future role of technology – providing examples of how technology can be utilised to enhance spaces and independent wayfinding.

This event will operate using the ‘Chatham House’ rule.

To attend or ask questions, please email events@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk

If you require this content in a different format, contact enquiries@businessdisabilityforum.org.uk.