Two new apps have recently been developed to assist disabled people while traveling.
The new UK-based app, Blue Badge Style, can identify establishments in London that are fashionable and trendy, yet still handicap accessible.
The app was developed by founder Fiona Jarvis, who is a wheelchair user herself. It allows users to search for places that are rated as stylish, as well as, inclusive of disabled, elderly or injured people.
The app rates restaurants, bars, hotels and entertainment venues with a Blue Badge if they offer assistance in some capacity for injured or disabled customers. They receive a rating out of five for accessibility, facilities and style ambience. Users also can allow the app to locate them via GPS and see the establishments closest to them.
In addition to offering information on trendy locations, the app drives customers towards businesses that make an effort to cater to the needs of people with mobility issues. I's currently free on the App Store and Google play.
Another app, the Accessibility View Project, aims to use Google Maps and Street View to assist disabled people in finding the most accessible routes through Sao Paulo in Brazil.
The app was designed by Eduardo Battiston, who is the executive creative director at AgenciaClick, and aims to assist disabled people with mobility. The app offers the equivalent of Google Street View, but from a disabled user's perspective.
The app was developed to address the problem of the sidewalks of Sao Paulo, which vary widely in condition. Some have cracks and holes, or other obstacles that can make it difficult for physically disabled people to navigate the city sidewalks.
The project won first place in Google's Creative Sandbox. It now hopes to team up with Associacao de Assistencia a Crianca Deficiente (AACD) to equip members with cameras as a method of gathering the requisite photographs from a wheelchair user's perspective.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
