A revolutionary new smartphone app is helping people with disability navigate their way around Brisbane in an Australian first.
Brisbane-based disability support service Carers Link, in partnership with Disability Support Queensland, has launched Access 4000: a smartphone app which provides disability access information on some of Brisbane’s venues and infrastructure. The app highlights access features like wheelchair and pram ramps, disabled toilets and parking, and support for low vision or blindness.
Carers Link Director, Debby Brennan, said Access 4000 was an exciting step forward for people with disability, their families and carers.
“For people with a physical disability and other mobility issues, accessing transport, community venues and businesses in Brisbane presents many challenges and finding information about these access features is a difficult task,” Ms. Brennan said.
“The purpose of Access 4000 is to reduce social isolation by helping people with disabilities access Brisbane.”
The app uses map-based technology to allow people to find businesses and venues around Brisbane, which offer the accessibility features that they require. Users can also filter their searches by venue: including train stations, ferries, libraries, public pools, tourist attractions and shopping centres.
Screenshots of the Access 4000 smartphone app. PHOTOS: Carers Link
Ms. Brennan also encouraged community members to help improve the app by sharing disability-friendly venues and services.
“We want to encourage everyone in the community to use Access 4000 to share venues and services that cater for good access and inclusion, and maybe this will encourage businesses to make sure they are more accessible,” she said.
Access 4000 is currently available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
For more information, or to download the app, please visit the Access 4000 website.
