Street Rehab Project aims to guide wheelchair users to accessible routes in Delhi with maps

Some good news for wheelchair users in New Delhi. A United Kingdom-based technology group, Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D ) are partnering for the Street Rehab Project, which aims to address accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users in Delhi.

The low cost sensors that are used for the project will identify features of Delhi footpaths by analysing how wheelchair users propel themselves through these routes.

The sensors will be installed in the mobile phones of users and they can access them through an application. This apart, users can add voice notes and geo-tagged photos to give others a detailed insight into their journey.

If done right, the project will be a blessing to of wheelchair users in the national capital.

Pulkit Sharma is a wheelchair user based in New Delhi and regularly conducts accessibility reviews of restaurants. He says the project is a much needed initiative but there are challenges as well.

For instance, how are they going to review the accessibility features of footpaths where there are no transport facilities for wheelchair users? I wonder if this new project is going to be as good as Google Maps. What is the time period in which this app will work? Most importantly, how much time is going to take to develop this app so that wheelchair users can start using it? –Pulkit Sharma, Video Blogger

All valid questions and the people behind the project are looking into these aspects. They have tied up with local NGOs and organizations for a better idea about mobility issues.

Currently, the team has developed a map that shows accessibility aspects in parts of Delhi but this needs more work.

Vinayana Khurana, is thrilled that this is being developed for Delhi.

“This would be very useful for people with disabilities if implemented in the right way. It is a great thought and I hope that it is going to be launched soon”, she says.

If done properly, the initiative could be replicated across India.

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