Handimaps is a new maps service from France that makes life easier for those in a wheelchair. The site helps disabled folks plan a handicap-friendly route, as well as find open spaces and attractions that have wheelchair access. In addition to helping those confined to a wheelchair move through the city easier, Handimaps also lists intersections with sound indicators to help those who are blind.
Handimaps is currently servicing the French cities of Montpellier and Renes. Many map apps already offer routes for those who want to walk, bike or take public transit, so it only makes sense to include routes for those who are handicapped. Here's hoping that developers begin including such routes soon, especially in cities that are older and thus lacking in ADA-approved (for America) buildings and streets.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Wheelchair-friendly Route Planning
- There is a need for innovative map apps that provide wheelchair-friendly route planning for disabled individuals.
- Accessibility Mapping
- The development of map apps that identify open spaces and attractions with wheelchair access can greatly enhance the lives of disabled people.
- Inclusive Intersection Indicators
- The inclusion of sound indicators at intersections in map apps can greatly assist visually impaired individuals in navigating cities.
Where This Applies
- Navigation Apps
- The navigation app industry has the opportunity to develop inclusive features for disabled individuals, such as wheelchair-friendly route planning and accessibility mapping.
- Smart Cities
- Smart city initiatives can incorporate accessible mapping technology to improve the overall accessibility and inclusivity of their city infrastructure.
- Assistive Technology
- The assistive technology industry can expand its offerings by developing map apps and features that cater to the specific needs of disabled individuals.
