The Best Apps and Gadgets for Wheelchair Users
Travelling to different locations can be a challenging experience for wheelchair users. A significant portion of cafes, pubs and recreational venues have limited wheelchair accessibility. Although the logistics of spending time with family and friends can be an arduous task, accessibility apps can help the differently-abled community plan their journeys with more ease. Users can use accessibility apps jointly with wheelchair gadgets to further enhance their time away from home.
Apps and gadgets are made with wheelchair users in mind, each uniquely solving mobility issues and improving your quality of life. We look at several apps and gadgets designed for wheelchair users to feel most confidently functional.
Top phone apps for wheelchair users
1. Sociability
Sociability is an application on your phone that provides detailed accessibility information on various places from local cafes to places to drink. The features on Sociability are designed with a simple and intuitive interface. Easily look up venues you plan to visit with the app’s search bar and view its accessibility information. Users can also scroll around Google Maps with a bird’s-eye view to find accessible places at their desired location.
Handily, Sociability categorises different types of details for users to easily find information about step-free excess, entrance door, space available for a wheelchair and the emergency pull cord in the bathroom. Plenty of photos are attached to each venue, often pictures will include the entrance door, indoor seating area, staircase and washroom. Sociability brings the wheelchair community together, users can read reviews given by other wheelchair users for a venue and also contribute a review to share their experience. The app also allows users to save their favourite venues on the app and share venues with family and friends.
Sociability wonderfully organises accessibility information on places for the convenience of the wheelchair community. Sociability is available to download for free on the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
2. Passenger Assistance
Passenger Assistance partners with National Rail to find the right assistance for your train ride. Users can use Passenger Assistance to travel more seamlessly by booking from a range of assistance services for their journey.
Users can easily search the rides available for their location and destination. After selecting the destination, users can request specific types of assistance from an extensive list. The request is sent directly to the train conductor who will arrange assistance for you. The type of assistance available ranges from providing a ramp, room for an assistance dog, sighted guidance or help with transferring trains. Once you have a destination, Passenger Assistance works to search for journeys that match the criteria provided. Additional criteria can also include whether you have luggage or not, and users can add optional information in a text box if the assistance they require is not listed in the app.
Passenger Assistance is particularly helpful for wheelchair users who commute by train. Users can download Passenger Assistance for free on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
3. AppyWay
Appyway is a modern app functioning to manage kerbsides and digitalise information on parking spaces around the UK. The app works with local authorities to compile information on disabled parking spaces, free parking spaces and prices of paid parking at your desired location.
Users can easily input their desired location into the search bar. Many features on Appyway allow users to filter by walking time from their parking to the destination. Wheelchair users can select parking spaces within their preferred walking time. Appyway highlights areas based on the walking time from the parking to your destination, creating an intuitive interface for users. Users can view free, paid and disabled parking spaces which are categorised by icons with different colours on the map. The map can be viewed from a bird’s eye view, allowing for easy navigation around different locations. The features on Appyway make parking information accessible for a smooth journey.
Appyway digitalises information on parking spaces around the UK on a user-friendly app. Appyway is available to download for free on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
4. Wheelmap
Wheelmap provides accessibility information on different grocery stores, leisure venues, restaurants and bus stops. Similar to Appyway, Wheelmap provides an insightful bird's-eye view of your desired location. However, Wheelmap provides accessibility information on a larger range of venues while AppyWay specialises in parking spaces.
Wheelmap gives users insight into the accessibility of toilets and accessibility information at the entrance of different venues. Users can also use Wheelmap to find accessible parking spaces. The features on Wheelmap allow users to rate the accessibility of different places and contribute images similar to a review. Catering to most wheelchair users, Wheelmap is available in 32 languages.
Digitalising accessibility information on a map, Wheelmap allows wheelchair users to plan their journey. Wheelmap is available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Top gadgets for wheelchair users
1. Wheelchair gloves
Wheels often pick up dirt, especially when used outdoors on soil or wet pavements. Wheelchair gloves can shield your hands from the dirt accumulated on your wheels when using a manual wheelchair. Many wheelchair gloves are built with breathable material and keep your hands warm during the winter or improve your grip, offering features for different occasions. Some individuals use wheelchair gloves to improve their grip.
2. Wheelchair cupholder
Users might find it inconvenient to hold cups on their lap for long periods and placing cups in a bag often requires additional assistance to reach for the cup. A wheelchair cupholder is easily mounted onto your wheelchair, many choose to mount their cup near the armrests. The cupholder allows users to reach for a mounted cup at arm’s length without additional assistance. Users can feel more independent throughout the day. Conveniently bring along your drink whether it is tea, coffee, smoothie or water, the wheelchair cupholder keeps the cup steady in place.
3. Phone Mount
Similar to the wheelchair cupholder, the phone mount allows users to easily access their phone. Users might want to send a text, call or use smartphone apps to navigate throughout the day while they are sitting in a wheelchair. Reaching for a phone located in a bag can be difficult and a pocket might not be readily available. A phone mount makes it much easier for users to reach their phones, creating a convenient modern lifestyle for wheelchair users.
4. Wheelchair Poncho
A wheelchair poncho helps shield against wind and rain with its waterproof material. Using an umbrella while pushing a wheelchair can be challenging, the poncho helps users stay dry outdoors independently. Many ponchos available come with zippers to be put on easily or removed when not needed.
Apps and gadgets for your quality of life
Taken together, there are many existing smartphone applications and innovative gadgets to help users function independently and improve overall quality of life. Innovative gadgets and developments with apps can make it easier to find a platform lift at venues and keep your body dry while travelling. Planning your day out and travelling is made easier with various features uniquely designed for wheelchair users.