Accessible Places

Do you ever take your mobility for granted?  I know I do.  I never thought about not being able to go somewhere because it wasn’t accessible to me.  For those that use walkers, wheelchairs, or any other mobility device, this is a common problem.  It wasn’t until I had a family member who became immobile that I gave it some thought.  Before someone who is immobile can go anywhere there are several questions they need to ask.  Here are just a few questions someone might ask:  Is there a ramp?  Are the bathrooms wheelchair accessible?  Is there enough space to maneuver a walker or wheelchair comfortably?  Is the trail or path paved?

Do you support someone who is immobile?  If you do, you might be interested to know there is an app that can help when you are planning an outing.  This FREE app is called AccessNow.  AccessNow is a “go-to resource for accessibility information”.  The founder and CEO, Maayan Ziv, lives with Muscular Dystrophy.  Her passion is to create a world that is more accessible to everyone. 

Let me tell you a little about this app.  Through the app, you can locate places in your own backyard and around the world, use tags and descriptions to rate a specific place’s accessibility, and use specific accessibility features to filter results.  On the map you can search for restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions, trails, and parks.  If your location services is turned on, nearby places will automatically show up.  Once you locate a place, you can click on it and read any tags and reviews that were added.

Accessible locations are represented with a green pin.  These locations generally have no barriers, and you can get in and out easily.  Partially accessible locations are represented with a yellow pin.  These locations may have some barriers.  For example, alternative entrances, limited access within the space, steps inside, or narrow hallways.  Not accessible locations are represented with a red pin.  These locations have barriers.  If you find a location with a red pin you can raise awareness about the issue and advocate for a change.

As I mentioned, accessibility tags are also used for locations.  Tags used on the app include accessible parking, accessible washroom, alternative entrance, ASL, automatic door, braille, customer service, digital menu, elevator, handrails, large print, lighting, lowered counters, outdoor access only, quiet, ramp, scent-free, service animal friendly, spacious, and stopgap ramp.  You can search within the app under accessibility definitions for more information on these tags.

The app is an ongoing community collaboration.  If you don’t see a place on the map, you can pin it yourself and share what you know about it; give it a label and a tag.  It takes all of us to create a world that is accessible for everyone. 

Let’s all do our part!