Blackwood´s accessible mapping project

The Blackwood Foundation, in conjunction with Fossbox CIC and opensensors.io, is in the process of developing an app that will provide wheelchair users with accurate information about accessible routes in public spaces.

Born out of workshops we did in collaboration with Fossbox CIC and opensensors.io (with whom we are partners on the project), OSM Smart is designed to address the lack of information available about the accessibility of open spaces.

It all comes back to accessibility. A person who’s a wheelchair user wants to go out and get about in their day to day lives, be it a visit to the local shop, a friend, work, or whatever, but they inevitably have to worry about how they’re going to get there. Where are the drop kerbs? How’s the terrain? Are the pavements wide enough?

What does the app actually do?

It’s not just what the app does that matters, this project cannot exist without the involvement of the end user, in this case – wheelchair users. The app can be switched on an off at will, and when activated it will keep track of the route taken by a wheelchair user to travel from A to B, thus making a note of accessible routes. The idea is that this information could then be recorded in a database that other wheelchair users could benefit from when they’re out and about. The data collection uses phone sensors so there's nothing for you to do besides turn on the app!

We very much want to work with people and for them to feel that they own the process. The project is still at the trial stage and therefor the installation of the app is controlled through us. The reasons being that we want, at this stage anyway, to monitor the data collection to ensure it is as accurate as possible, and also very importantly we want to protect the privacy of the users who help trial it.

How can I get involved?

We are looking for around 20 people to begin with who are interested in helping us trial the app. Drop us a line if you are interested and we can take it from there. What we’re looking to do in the trials is for a wheelchair user to travel about a mile with the app activated. They would be in the company of several non-disabled persons so that the technicians can better understand the data collected in relation to the accessibility needs of wheelchair users. Ultimately the intention is for them to be able create software that can plot directions along accessible routes independently (like a 'satnav').

This is something that has never been done before and we are really excited about it. But we cannot move forward without your assistance. If you think you might be interested in participating in the trials, or if you simply want more information, click here to get in touch or you can send us an email at www.bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk.

Blackwood´s accessible mapping project

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