AbiliTrek is building a database for travelers with disabilities, projected $17 billion market
New website AbiliTrek hopes to serve travelers with disabilities by providing a database of places to stay with accessible accommodations. “There is a big data gap that we’re trying to fill,” said David Wandke, CEO and founder of AbiliTrek based in Bellingham, Washington. While commenting on the initial idea for Abilitrek, David shares that on […]
Advocates demand Lyft provide similar ride share accessibility accommodations
Toronto disability advocates are pushing Lyft match wheelchair ride share accessibility services that Uber recently rolled out. “Whether it’s Uber or a competitor, looking hard at accessibility is a vital component for any business. Regardless of who you are, you should not be restricted from a service” says Maayan Ziv, founder of accessibility-based technology firm […]
Uber has wheelchair friendly options for disabled passengers, it may not be enough
Uber has improved its accessibility options with the adoption of its Wheelchair friendly UberWAV service, available in 27 cities and counting. Beginning in January 2016, Uber began its UberWAV program (WAV for wheelchair accessible vehicle) in Toronto. The company began to offer wheelchair accessible vehicles in limited locations by partnering with paratransit agencies, and Uber […]
Accessibility Tools with Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Amazon Echo, and Amazon Dot
Popular Voice Assistant product Amazon Alexa includes several useful features for users with accessibility needs related to vision, hearing, mobility, and speech. Included in both app and the physical device, Alexa can help support users by not only controlling their appliances, but help them navigate and interract with their devices, too. Tools offered by Alexa […]
Google to remove Andriod apps that misuse Accessibility features
Popular Android applications like LastPass and McAfee might be removed from the Google Play store because of a change in policy. Though at first glance they seem to work as intended, these applications utilize features from the Google Accessibility Services API, originally built to allow software developers to easily incorporate Accessibility affordances into their apps. […]
Airbnb to purchase Accessible Hospitality startup Accomable
Accessibility hospitality service Accomable has been acquired by Airbnb. Accomable provides a similar service but with a focus on accessible and disability-accommodating spaces, covering over 60 countries. Accomable will phase out service and key team members will transition into the Airbnb product team, expanding their service to be more inclusive and accessible. As part of the […]
Google uses Local Guides to tell you if locations are Wheelchair Accessible
Google Maps started displaying wheelchair accessibility data for locations at the end of 2016, but with a recent update to their Local Guides program they’re moving to a more holistic approach. By engaging with their Local Guides program you can help Google curate their search results to provide more detail on locations and identify specific accessibility […]
Twitter update increases character limit, but some users are still left out
Social media platform Twitter recently updated their service to display messages of 280 characters. Product Manager Aliza Rosen explains this update is meant to build a better user experience, in a blog post she details: “Historically, 9% of Tweets in English hit the character limit. This reflects the challenge of fitting a thought into a […]
Is Japan the Most Accessible Country?
Traveling to another country can be a nerve wracking experience for even the most seasoned adventurers. Now imagine doing it with a vision and hearing impairment. Recently Cristina Hartmann did so while spending two and a half weeks in Japan, the last destination on her 4-month trip around the world. She tells her story on the […]
NFB Newsline – The App You Should Know About
Do you know the NFB-NEWSLINE? It’s an exciting phone service that lets you quickly and easily listen to the news straight from your phone. The Newsline provides non visual access to traditional newspapers, magazines, and other publications, converted to an easy to use audio format. By using their iPhone app you can “read” news, “on […]