Merseyside Innovation Awards - 2002

Today also sees the announcement of the winner of the 2002 Individual Award for Innovation.

Inventor Jeff Berman is behind the creation of a device to help blind and partially sighted people find their way in unfamiliar surroundings and locate their belongings.

The Sonic Wayfinder consists of an 'audible guidance beacon' and a small remote control unit. When someone presses a button on a hand held remote control a high pitch sound enables the person to hear where their belongings are or establish their bearings. The device works over a distance of 50metres.

Paul Weston of Liverpool City Council presented Mr Berman with a cheque for £500 and a bottle of champagne. He said: "The judges were impressed with the device - which although simple - has huge commercial potential. We believe it could transform the lives of thousands of people."

Jeff Berman said: " I was delighted to win the award - the product has already attracted a great deal of interest and I'm confident it won't be long before it hits the market so blind people everywhere can benefit."

Read the full story here