# Wheelchair Navigation Apps 'Wheelmap' is a New Accessibility App Designed for Wheelchair Users By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-06-11 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-app References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/this-massive-open-source-map-makes-the-world-more-whee-1710196200) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/de/app/wheelmap/id399239476?mt=8) 'Wheelmap' is a new accessibility app that helps wheelchair users easily navigate public spaces. Developed by the German non-profit organization 'SOZIALHELDEN e.V.,' the app features maps that will indicate the accessibility status of any location around the world. The accessibility app is free to download for both [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-maps-bike-route) and Android users and is available in 22 different languages. The app works by rating public spaces on their [wheelchair access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-scores) with a traffic light-style grading system. If a space is labeled 'accessible,' it means that there are no steps required to enter the space. Places labeled 'limited accessibility,' refer to those with a maximum of one step required to enter. The app also has a feature that will track down wheelchair-accessible toilets. For wheelchair users across the world, the Wheelmap app helps to make [navigating public spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system) just a little bit easier. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Accessibility Mapping:** The development of innovative apps like Wheelmap that provide accessibility information about public spaces is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the technology industry. - **Inclusive Technology:** The increasing demand for apps and technologies that cater to the specific needs of wheelchair users presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the assistive technology industry. - **Localization and Translation:** 'Wheelmap' being available in 22 different languages highlights the trend of localization and translation services, creating opportunities for language services providers to cater to diverse user needs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Technology:** The technology industry can explore opportunities to develop more advanced wheelchair navigation apps and other assistive technologies for people with disabilities. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can focus on creating user-friendly apps and devices that enhance mobility and accessibility for wheelchair users. - **Language Services:** The language services industry can leverage the demand for localization and translation services to cater to the needs of diverse user bases across the globe. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessibility-Focused Nature Trail Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/able-active.md) - [Impairment-Aiding Navigation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/commute-booster.md) - [Accessibility Mapping Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-mapping-project.md) - [Accessible Subway QR Codes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorful-qr-codes.md) - [Public Bathroom Location Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bathroom-app.md) - [Passanger Assistant App Pilots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nj-transit.md) - [Inclusive Airport Navigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airport-navigations.md) - [Wheel-Free Assisted Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-walk-me.md) - [Assistive Manual Wheelchair Add-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manual-wheelchair.md)