According to the World Health Organisation, 15% of the world’s population are living with a disability. That is about one billion people. This makes people with disabilities the world’s largest minority group. However, making places more accessible is often still an afterthought, if it has been considered at all.
With disabilities being extremely diverse, no singular solution will be able to aid everyone in getting around safely, however, with indoor navigation several different issues can be solved.
Visual and Hearing Impairments
For people who are visually impaired, navigating in new places can be daunting as information is often posted on overhead signs or information screens, which can be difficult to read. With Indoor Navigation, users will be able to get all the information they need on their devices, making it easier to get an overview of the venue, even with limited vision.
MapsIndoors is also compliant with web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.0). This means that if a user has changed the text size on their device, this change will automatically be integrated in the map. Users are also able to change colors to make things easier to see, either by adding contrast, or correcting colors that can be difficult to differentiate due to color blindness. In this way, MapsIndoors empower visually impaired people to navigate the great indoors without having to ask for help.
Similarly, indoor navigation can aid people with hearing impairments. Instead of having to talk to staff, who they might struggle to communicate with, they will be able to find their way on their own.
Mobility Challenges
More often than not, buildings are not fully accessible when it comes to wheelchair users or people with other mobility issues. When elevators or ramps are available, they are often hidden away and can be difficult to find. With MapsIndoors users can easily enable a setting to avoid stairs, after which they will be guided to their destination by a route that is fully accessible.
Making the world more accessible for everyone is one of our core values at MapsPeople. We believe indoor navigation strengthens inclusivity, and makes it easier for people with disabilities to navigate confidently and independently.
If you want to know how your venue can improve people with disabilities experience, get in touch!
December 3, 2020
