The partnership between the city and Lazarillo, the company that created this assistive technology navigation app, started through an effort to improve mobility.
The app provides wayfinding for people who are blind or visually impaired to help them navigate both indoor and outdoor spaces. The company has partnered with other local governments, private partners, schools and hospitals to create a comprehensive tech solution for people who are blind or have low vision to navigate society independently.
But according to René Espinoza, the company’s CEO, Tampa is the first city to integrate public buildings into the platform.
The city has created maps of indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Old City Hall, the Tampa Municipal Office Building and Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Users can access these maps free through the Lazarillo app on their smartphone.