A University of Melbourne student’s bright idea could change the way Australians living with a disability dine out.
EnAccess Maps, a new app developed by student Sabrina Leung, allows users to locate and review venues based on their accessibility features.
Leung identified a gap in available information for people with mobility requirements.
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“One in five people have a disability, so it’s a pretty big need out there,” she said.
The app and website aim to connect this community with venues equipped to accommodate their needs.
The platform allows users to specify their accessibility preferences, including bathroom availability, movement space, parking, and step-free access.
“It could technically be accessible to enter, but it could make you feel really awkward if you have to move all the chairs to be able to get to your table and shuffle around,” impact advisor Freya Elliott said.
While EnAccess Maps has the potential to be used across the globe, the current focus is on Melbourne, with University of Melbourne students volunteering to map new locations on a monthly basis.
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“It helped me be more aware of my surroundings and also more aware how other people in a different situation interact with the same environment I do,” volunteer Jiayi Tai said.
So far, more than 700 locations have already been logged, but the EnAccess Maps team is hoping more people jump online to review more, and that businesses come on board too.
“Anyone can sign up for EnAccess maps. It’s free,” Darkin said.
“And you could be McDonald’s or you could be a Michelin star restaurant. It’s just about helping people understand how to get to your place.”
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
