Cadent, QAC and Clever QR Codes

Cadent has been collaborating with Queen Alexandra Charity; QAC Social Enterprise All Formats; Sight Loss Councils and Blind in Business to test whether assistive technology and NaviLens QR Codes can improve access to information and help people move around safely when temporary works are taking place in public areas.

With Lived Experience and Co-Production values at its heart, the project will help build safer, more accessible environments.

The event took place at Queen Alexandra Charity in Birmingham and centred around their specially designed Independence Street, a safe and real street scene complete with everything you would find at a typical controlled crossing.

What Were the Pilot Objectives?

· To Improve access to information, such as letters and booklets.

· To support safer navigation for pedestrians when encountering Cadent working in the street.

Around 10 people took part in a live demonstration – using the NaviLens app and their enhanced QR Code technology during a practical exercise on Independence Street, where temporary work areas were set up for testing. The interactive demonstration was followed by a focus group, giving participants the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions about using the technology in the street scene environment. Feedback was also sought on a letter and supporting booklet sent to customers before works start near their home.

Meena commented: “The accessibility pilot event with Cadent was really good. My highlight of the day was taking part using the NaviLens app. Sessions like this are so valuable, they help adapt the app and make it much easier and more accessible for partially sighted and blind people to use. I found the app picked up the codes really well and gave enough information to navigate safely. After the codes were altered based on feedback from people trialling it, it showed how much these events really matter. Very valuable sessions. Thank you to everyone involved!”

Lianne said: Very interesting and I think if we get software working properly and they manage to get it sorted so that the QR codes scan a bit better, it will definitely be helpful and worthwhile. Very useful!

Anita Clegg, Customer Safeguarding Advisor for Cadent reflected: “The accessibility pilot at Queen Alexandra College was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside people with lived experience of sight loss and explore how innovative solutions can help make information more accessible. The feedback and insights shared by participants were invaluable and will help shape how we improve customer communications and support in the future. Collaboration is key to creating inclusive services, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the event such a success.”

I’m Interested in making My Products and Services More Accessible…What Should I Do Next?

Access and inclusion are essential for creating fair, equitable, and vibrant communities where everyone can thrive. Ultimately, coproduction is the bedrock of finding agreement and creating systemic and lasting change for the benefit of everyone in society.

At All Formats, the journey starts with a conversation. Talk to us today via the contact details listed below to find out how we can help you connect and communicate with a significant minority community of which we are proud to belong.