A new app developed by Griffith University is helping people with disabilities access venues, public transport and more on the Gold Coast.
The Access GC app, designed by the School of Information and Communications Technology features a variety of locations around the Gold Coast, including restaurants, hotels, parking, ramps, toilets and even wheelchair repair locations.
The easy to use location filter and map allows people to search for facilities that are disability-accessible. The app also includes common audible phrases that can be used by people with speech impairments.
Spearheaded by Dr Jolon Faichney from Griffith’s App Factory, the development team comprising ICT students started work on the app in September 2017 and began developing it in December.
“The Access GC app is easy for people to use and it’s literally a tool that is at their fingertips,” Dr Faichney said.
“There are over a thousand key sites that people with disabilities can access to make life easier to get to where they’re going.”
The Access GC app was designed for a people with a range of disabilities with the input of community organisation FSG Australia, who helped provide key listing data for the app.
“There has been no way for people with disabilities to easily access information about getting around on the Gold Coast, until now,” FSG advocate Adam Sheppard said.
“Access GC allows people to enjoy greater freedom and confidence simply by searching for a restaurant or hotel that is accessible for them and how they can get there.”
This version of the app was commissioned and funded by the University and is available to download on iPhone and Android devices.
“This app is a fantastic tool that will enable people with disabilities to better access key locations and services,” Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Ian O’Connor AC said.
“We are thrilled that Griffith University’s ICT School is responsible for creating this resource so that everyone can enjoy the same level of inclusiveness.”