View Prototype Here

In brainstorming ideas for my senior project, I knew I wanted to explore the realm of accessibility. One of the factors I always try to think about in my work is how to make design as inclusive as possible. I thought back to my own experiences growing up with a disabled family member, and how public places often aren’t accommodating enough. Since isolation is such a major problem I started to think of ways to promote community and I learned a lot through the research for this project. My idea started as an app that would show where to find accessible locations, and what services they provided. As I researched and heard more from people’s experiences however, I found that there were so many factors and needs then I initially thought of. That was how I decided on a rating system that would show if something was inaccessible, accessible, or if it was partially accessible. I knew I wanted to include individual voices as well, which is why a review system was added. I focused on in Buffalo NY, researching real locations and how they could be improved or learned from. Eventually, the app expanded to events and in the future I plan to include more features like discussions and online health resources. This is a project I am constantly coming back to and iterating on which is why I chose it for my senior thesis project as this continues to be such a big learning experience for me.

Challenge

According to the US Census bureau, 1 in 5 people live with a disability (United States Census Bureau, 2018). Among the disabled community, isolation is an epidemic reaching its height during the covid-19 pandemic (Cognetica, 2020). In order to combat this, the app seeks to make forming connections and finding places that will accommodate easier. It features a way to sort through nearby locations and attend events. Due to a lack of accommodations, many people with disabilities are unable to or choose to stay home due to a lack of options. Society’s treatment of people with disabilities can also lead to isolation due to harassment, bullying, and microaggressions. People with disabilities are more at risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, lower life expectancy, and higher suicide risk (Cognetica, 2020). Pushing for inclusion is extremely important in fighting isolation and social media and other technologies have created many new opportunities in forming connections and spreading awareness.