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Blind Low Vision NZ - Audio Visual Fit-out

Inclusive technology that supports users with low vision and hearing accessibility needs

Blind Low Vision NZ – Dunedin Community Facility Audio Visual
Fit-out

Blind Low Vision NZ is New Zealand’s leading provider of support services for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision, helping people live independently and participate fully in their communities.

Their work is grounded in values of inclusion, empowerment, accessibility, and choice.

Automation Associates was proud to partner with Blind Low Vision to deliver a full AV fit-out for its Dunedin community facility – creating a modern, highly accessible space that reflects these values and supports connection, learning, and community engagement.

Designed to align with successful installations previously completed at BLV in Auckland and Wellington, the Dunedin project focused on consistency, ease of use, and inclusive technology that supports users with low vision and hearing accessibility needs.

Creating a Flexible Multi-Purpose Space

At the centre of the room, we installed a large 130-inch motorised projection screen paired with a high-brightness laser projector, providing clear visibility throughout the space for presentations, workshops, and video conferencing.

To ensure strong and even sound coverage, twelve recessed ceiling speakers were installed across four audio zones. This delivers balanced audio reinforcement across the entire room, whether hosting a small meeting or a larger community gathering.

Easy Control from Anywhere in the Room

Two control points were installed – one at the front of the room and one at the rear – each providing intuitive touchscreen control of the AV system.

Users can easily manage presentations, room audio, video conferencing, and source selection from either location. HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and audio inputs were also integrated to support flexible BYOD and conferencing use.

An Amazon Echo Dot was also integrated into the system, providing a powerful, intuitive layer of voice control across the entire AV environment.

Rather than being used in a typical “smart speaker” sense, the Echo Dot is configured to interact with a fully engineered commercial AV system – controlling core functions such as powering the system on and off, operating the motorised projection screen, switching the projector, adjusting audio levels across multiple zones, and managing key presentation and conferencing modes.

This creates a genuinely hands-free control option for users, making it possible to operate a complex, fully integrated AV setup using simple voice commands. In practice, it brings an additional layer of accessibility and ease-of-use that complements the touchscreen interfaces, particularly for users who benefit from reduced reliance on physical controls or navigation through menus.

Designed for Accessibility

Accessibility was a key driver of the project.

An Auracast-based hearing assistance system allows users with compatible personal devices to connect directly to the audio broadcast. Dedicated receiver packs with charging dock, earphones, and neck loops were also supplied to support users with telecoil-enabled hearing devices.

For users with low vision, all wall plates and touch panels were specified in black against white walls to improve contrast and visibility. Braille keypads were also installed to provide additional control options.

Ready for Hybrid Communication

To support remote participation, a ceiling-mounted PTZ camera with 12x optical zoom was installed, providing clear adjustable room coverage for video calls and hybrid meetings.

Wireless handheld and lapel microphones ensure presenters can be heard clearly both in-room and by remote attendees.

Smart Automation Behind the Scenes

An occupancy sensor was integrated to automate system startup and shutdown based on room use, helping simplify operation while improving energy efficiency.

Core AV processing equipment was installed into the facility’s communications rack, along with a dedicated network switch to support the advanced AV control and streaming systems.

Outcome

This future-ready, accessible community facility helps Blind Low Vision NZ continue its mission of empowering people with vision loss through connection, communication, and independence.

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With offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, our friendly consultants are here to help.  Contact us today.

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