We all must deal with different events in reguard to DM/PM. If you want to devote time to creating a phone app for disabled people then that is fine. I do not think anyone would bother to use or think of using the service you are describing. There are a lot of services already available for people who need help. It is a matter of finding services for people with disabilities.

I am sorry that you are having difficulties negotiating with the wheelchair. I hope you will get some help so you can learn to function well. When I was in college, I was always impressed with how well the blind students crossed the busy streets. It is a matter of training. There are services in your area that I am sure could help you. Keep us posted and good luck.

Thanks for your thoughts. So far I've forwarded 25 enthusiastic emails to the tech person I'm thinking of working with at the university. This app might be most appropriate for people who are newly disabled, temporarily disabled, and just don't know the places to go that have good facilities. I was facilitating a meeting, in my wheelchair last week, at a public meeting room that had advertised a disabled bathroom. Turns out it was a stall for small children, tiny toilet, one small grab bar and a sign that said no one over 145 pounds. No where else to go, so I had to ask for janitorial help after I did the best I could. The app might have saved me the trouble (not to mention the poor janitor).

I think it is a good idea. I travel quite a bit and always get very nervous about running into obsticles. One thing that I struggle with is I don't need an assistive device yet but a low toilet or chair and a curb without something to hang onto can stop me dead in my tracks.

I hear you lexisgirl. And the prednisone gives me a short fuse and makes me want to cry when I see that stuff. One gal emailed that she was in a brand new office building, and the grab bar in the toilet pulled out of the wall when she reached for it, causing a fall. It was never bolted in! A guy said the ADA bathroom was good at a local deli, but the door into it was a steel fire door. It slammed shut and it was so heavy, he couldn't get out of the bathroom. Had to dial 911 to get someone to assist. Good thing there wasn't a fire. I checked with our city, and the number one zoning exemption developers file for is to get out of designing ADA access.

wonup -

I think that is an AMAZING IDEA!!!! That's wonderful that you are deciding to take the problem head on. I don't currently have any mobility problems...but I broke my foot over the summer and was on crutches for 5 weeks (thank you, prednisone). My building is supposedly handicap friendly...the doors were so heavy and did not have automatic doors, so i had to navigate manually, a double set to get into the bathroom several times a day. It got to the point where i had to just not drink while at work to avoid 1. battling the doors, which frequently knocked my 115lb frame over and/or caused me to step on my broken foot 2. crutch an additional 103 'steps' to go around the security doors to use the restroom.

I also have a family member with a serious hip problem, he limps (slowly) everywhere he goes - has a handicap sticker for parking, etc. It is a huge problem for him. A number of times facilities will have a restroom up a flight of stairs, or way far away...its so painful watching him limp around. He frequently will choose where to go (grocery store, movie theater) based on the availability of handicap restrooms or handicap parking. A number of stores near us (major movie theaters, grocery stores) have only 2-3 handicap spots. In that case he has to turn around and get groceries at another time (he literally cannot walk from the far reaches of the parking lot).

As part of Generation Y, I can tell you we would ALL use an app like that. Those of us with mobility issues, anyways. Or those of us with family members who need it...I also know a number of Boomers who are surprisingly tech savvy and would probably use an app like that if they are mobility challenged.

Sure, training is some of it. But the fact is, you can't 'train out' the mobility handicap. And basic needs - such as being able to use the restroom on your own - should be available in a place of business.

Best of luck - and thanks for being such a trooper!