HEARSEE MOBILITY Empowering Navigation for All

We're building technology that empowers people who are blind or have low vision to move freely and confidently in the world.

About Us

Since the beginning, Hearsee Mobility has collaborated closely with the blind and low-vision community to ensure our technology meets their real-world needs. Their input has shaped every aspect of our tools—from hardware and software functionality to everyday usability.

In early 2023, we tested our smart cane prototype in a live setting at the National Federation of the Blind conference. The results confirmed our approach: inclusive design powered by community insight. As we continue to refine our solutions, we remain focused on making assistive navigation tools both accessible and affordable to those who need them most.

We believe meaningful change is possible—against all odds—when innovation and lived experience work hand in hand.

A man wearing a light gray hat and sunglasses, standing next to a wooden building with his white mobility cane in hand, smiling confidently.
A woman wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat and teal shirt, smiling while holding a white mobility cane outdoors under a shade canopy.
A man wearing white sunglasses, a black shirt, and a baseball cap, smiling while knitting a blue and purple yarn project at an outdoor park table.

Changes are possible against all odds.

Since our founding in 2018, Hearsee Mobility’s journey has been driven by purpose, innovation, and community. What began as a vision to improve navigation for blind and low-vision individuals has evolved into a multi-year effort involving dedicated research, community collaboration, and groundbreaking technology development. See the timeline below to discover how each milestone has brought us closer to a more accessible future.

Wide version of Hearsee logo with starburst on blue background.
2018
HEARSEE

Hearsee Mobility is founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Set of small electronic circuit boards connected by wires.
2019
Proof of Concept

Completed a proof of concept of the technology behind the first navigational solution—a device that could read a tag and broadcast a signal to a simple app. Met with members of the blind and low vision community in Salt Lake City, Utah, including Everette Bacon, President of the National Federation of the Blind in Utah, to gather valuable input.

Hearsee cane prototype with branding tag.
2020
Research & Development

Researched and found a product development company that could design and build a working prototype—a cutting-edge cane based on the proof-of-concept technology. Continued to meet with the blind and low-vision community regarding the prototype design process. Their feedback was highly respected and implemented throughout the design process.

Person using smartphone accessibility app indoors.
2021
Preliminary mechanical cane

Preliminary mechanical cane designs were made. The blind and low-vision communities were intricately involved, specifically in the design of the cane handle.

Two men walking together indoors, one blind with cane.
2022
first official prototype

The first official prototype of the cane was completed. It met 95% of the blind and low-vision community's requests. Due to software concerns, a new development company was found and was able to address and resolve the issues. Great strides were made in the development of the iOS and Android apps.  Great strides were made in the development of the iOS and Android apps.

Close-up of the top of the Hearsee cane on black background.
2023
Tested the cane prototype

Tested the cane prototype in a real-world scenario at the National Federation of the Blind conference in Michigan with great success. The National Federation of the Blind Utah Center was the first mapped location outside of a controlled environment.

Hearsee cane electronics exposed on a workbench, showing a circuit board with a glowing green LED connected to wires, battery, and testing equipment.
2024
A Strategic Turning Point

Hearsee took a major step forward by bringing software development in-house. When an external partner fell behind, we chose to take control of our own progress. Building our internal team gave us clearer direction, greater accountability, and the momentum we needed to move confidently toward our goals.

Digital map of Utah Arts Academy’s first floor showing rooms, pathways, and location markers for Hearsee’s indoor navigation system.
2025
Strengthening the Foundation

Our internal team uncovered incomplete legacy work, including an unfinished eCompass integration and outdated hardware. Instead of slowing progress, this became an opportunity to improve the product. After exploring several options, we partnered with the right expert to resolve the issues and confidently move development ahead.

Powered by Purpose, Grounded in People

We don’t just design for the blind and low-vision community—we design with them. Every tool, every interaction, every line of code is shaped by real experiences. Our values keep us honest, bold, and impact-driven.

Our Values:

Access Without Barriers

Our community should never be charged for independence. We build tools that are free to the people who need them.

Inclusion Is Good Business

Making spaces accessible isn’t charity—it’s strategy. Inclusive design leads to broader reach and smarter growth.

Make It Personal

We’re hands-on, detail-oriented, and deeply invested. When we create something, we own it completely.

Lead with Vision

Pioneering isn’t easy—but progress demands courage. We lead because we believe better is possible.
Target board with arrow illustration.

Fail Bravely

There’s no growth without risk. We welcome setbacks as part of learning and evolving.

Work with Joy

Kindness, humor, and connection fuel our work. When people thrive, progress follows.