SpartansFirst provides the Hear2There accessibility initiative for a 30-month free initial rollout deployment. Peachtree Corners is America’s first city making the citywide accessibility initiative rollout of the Hear2There service available to all venues located in the city and Technology Park. The announcement brings advanced information technology to public spaces and local businesses to improve accessibility for residents and visitors—beginning with enhanced support for the blind and visually impaired community.

This rollout is the first of its kind in the United States, and the City of Peachtree Corners has been chosen due to the city’s commitment to innovation, smart city technology, and inclusivity.

SpartansFirst is led by Dennis C. Hayes, Founder and Chairman of Hayes Microcomputer Products, which for many years was headquartered in Technology Park Atlanta in Peachtree Corners. Hayes Microcomputer Products was widely credited with creating the on ramp to the Information Superhighway. During the 1980s and 1990s, its market-leading dial-up modem technology worked with Apple computers, IBM-compatible systems, and virtually every major personal computer platform of the era while the company was based in Peachtree Corners.

The initiative uses the Hear2There platform, which delivers real-time, location-based audio information to help users independently navigate indoor and outdoor environments. Through a combination of GPS and strategically placed smart beacons, the system provides spoken guidance about entrances, exits, restrooms, elevators, and other points of interest within participating venues.

By installing this technology, businesses and public facilities can provide visitors with a new form of “audio signage,” enabling users to access key information—such as directions, building directories, menus, and other venue details—directly from their smartphones including Apple and Android.

Supporting Accessibility Across the Community

The City of Peachtree Corners is supporting the initiative as part of its broader commitment to innovation and inclusive Smart City technologies. Initial early adopters of the program will include:

• Peachtree Corners City Hall
• Town Green at Town Center
• The Forum Peachtree Corners
• Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA
• Hilton Atlanta Northeast
• Mary Our Queen Catholic Church

Additional businesses and organizations throughout the city will have the opportunity to join the program as the rollout expands.

Free 30-Month Accessibility Program for Businesses

Through a generous donation from SpartansFirst, participating businesses and venues will receive the accessibility technology and service free of charge for the first 30 months. After the initial period, participating organizations may choose to continue the service on a subscription basis directly with Hear2There. The Hear2There service is always free to the smartphone user by downloading the free app.

The philanthropic model behind the initiative is designed to accelerate adoption of accessibility technology in communities by removing cost barriers and allowing businesses to experience the benefits of the platform firsthand.

Empowering Independence Through Technology

Businesses and organizations interested in participating in the program can learn more about the Hear2There platform and the SpartansFirst initiative by visiting www.h2t.com or www.spartansfirst.org/here2there.

People representing SpartansFirst and Hear2There will attend multiple community meetings in April and May to provide information about this announcement and online presentations will be scheduled before two in-person meetings at the city hall on May 21 at 9 am and 2 pm. To sign up for one of these two meetings, business venues in Peachtree Corners can obtain tickets at the following links:

For 9 am presentation at: www.eventbrite.com/e/1985524743958
For 2 pm presentation at: www.eventbrite.com/e/1985525937528

While we have good availability, space is limited, so order your free ticket if you plan to attend before they run out.