Member Article

New app gives disabled people something to shout about

Travel is about to get a great deal easier for disabled people thanks to an app developed by a leading North East digital media agency.

Shout Digital, at Keel House, Garth Heads, Newcastle, which specialises in web design and digital media services, has used its expertise to tackle the problems faced on a daily basis by those with disabilities in accessing a number of public places.

The multi-award winning agency, which has spearheaded digital growth in the North East and recently opened offices in London, was chosen by assist-Mi to develop and deliver the ground-breaking mobility solution.

Using GPS technology and two-way messaging streams, the assist-Mi app, which has been developed by Shout Digital for use on all smartphones, provides up to date information and communications to disabled people on the move.

Through assist-Mi, disabled people can notify rail networks, hospitals, car parks, shops, airports and other service providers of their travel plans and request the necessary assistance to be available for them on arrival.

The app also enables users to pre-book parking spaces and luggage assistance, providing them with greater control than ever over their travel plans and offering them greater independence on a day to day basis.

“It was crucial in developing this app that it worked in real time,” said Shout Digital CEO Gary Boon. “Travel – even short car journeys – can be fraught with anxiety for disabled people.

“Barriers at car parks and other venues can cause real accessibility issues while coping with luggage at airports and train stations can be a nightmare for those with limited mobility.

“Because the app works in real time it means that they can communicate instantly with their destination – en-route if necessary – and that is tremendously reassuring.”

North East entrepreneur and co-founder of assist-Mi, Neil Herron, said: “assist-Mi’s strengths are that it offers an instant, two-way communication stream and up to date information and Shout Digital had the creativity and the technical expertise to facilitate that.”

Along with a string of national award wins, Shout Digital was recently invited to join Apple, Microsoft and Facebook as a member of W3C, an elite international committee founded by internet founder Tim Berners-Lee, dedicated to protecting the future of the internet.

For further information about Shout Digital and its expertise in digital technology strategy and blended communication, call 0191 231 2377 or email newcastle@shoutdigital.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by HFPR .