A black wrist-worn receiver alongside a tall outdoor black pillar-shaped beacon on a path.

STEP-HEAR Navigation System for the Blind

by Step-Hear

$99.95, see price history

Price is what the vendor listed when last checked. Confirm it with the vendor before buying.

Setup with instructions A family member or building manager can install and record a Base by following the instructions, so a professional is not needed. It is not simply plug-and-play, though. Someone has to pick good locations, write clear messages, and test them, so it falls under guided setup.

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · October 1, 2026

STEP-HEAR is a wayfinding system made of two parts: a Base that a property owner mounts at a key spot, and a handheld Activator carried by the person who is blind or has low vision. The Activator vibrates when it comes within about 12 feet of a Base. Pressing its button plays a recorded message from the Base, which also tells the person how close they are and which direction to go. The owner can change the recording (up to one minute long), so it can announce a restroom, an exit, a bus number, or a hazard. It is meant for places like offices, schools, stores, stations, and ATMs, indoors or out, and the installation can be temporary or permanent. Because the Base has to be placed by someone who manages the space, the Activator on its own won't help in places that don't have one.

Getting it

Try before you buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Find your state's lending program →

Where to get it

MaxiAids Visit
$99.95

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

How to fund this

These are common places to ask about paying for equipment like this. Each one decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so start by asking them.

All funding programs, state by state →

Details

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Type
Addresses
Platform
Age range
Complexity
Setup with instructions
Price
$99.95
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Out of pocket
  • Vocational rehab

What setup looks like

  • Out of the box
    The person using it simply carries the Activator and presses its button when it vibrates to hear the message.
  • With a guide
    1. Choose where each Base will go, such as a doorway, restroom, exit, or stairs, and mount it there.
    2. Record the spoken message (up to one minute) in the Base, then walk toward it with the Activator to check that the vibration and directions work as expected. Plan on about 30 minutes for a first install and test.

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from MaxiAids — view on vendor site (opens in a new tab); last checked November 2, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on October 1, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.

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