There are so many Apps being developed all the time; to make everyday life easier to manage and promote independence and safety at home and when out and about. The ILC Therapists have searched for some that we think could be helpful and you can read about them here. This is not an exhaustive list. These Apps are produced and maintained by third parties and are included as information not as a recommendation. See our Apps disclaimer.
Here is an app that we have found that may help:
This helpful app allows the user to plan their day out without the worry of being unable to find a suitable toilet. The nearest accessible toilet can be searched using the current location or a postcode. Pros: Location of toilets are shown on a map, and you can select a toilet to find further information about it, including the address, size of space, how to access, whether there is a hoist and the type of sling required. It tells you whether it meets the full changing spaces specification and if you require a radar key to access. Cons: Needs strong internet signal. The toilets are displayed on the map using colour coded pins signalling different types of toilets – you would need to use the app regularly to remember what each PIN stands for or flick between the index and map on the app.
Accessaloo is another app to help users find accessible toilets. You can search worldwide using an area, postcode, or location services to see toilets on a map. Pros: The descriptions can include information about details such as access, turning circles, and transfer space, alarm cords, and changing places facilities. The app will not allow toilet to be added to the map without a picture, which benefits the end user as they can see a picture of whether the toilet is useable for them. Cons: Relies on good internet access to load information. Toilets are added, rated, and updated by people using the app which means that some information may be out of date and some areas do not have toilets showing, whereas, others have lots (e.g. cities in Devon have lots of toilets showing, but rural areas may not have had their toilets added). Anyone can add a toilet but they may not all be public toilets – there is nothing to differentiate this on the app. Find out more on their website: Accessaloo.com. Available on: Apple and Android. Version: 1.0.6
The AccessAble app provides people with information about the accessibility of venues, to help them plan their days. It includes information such as whether there is disabled parking or nearby train or bus stops, the type of access into venues and the accessibility of the toilets. Pros: easy to set up with a clear and simple layout, including photographs of key areas such as access to buildings. You can apply filters to your search (please note, if applying filters it will only show you the venues which meet all of the filters selected) Cons: Some locations (particularly more rural areas) have few or no venues showing in the area, so the app may be more useful in bigger towns and cities. Some buttons in the app are small and difficult to select.
Fuel service is an app which enables individuals to search for accessible petrol stations nearest to them by inputting the type of fuel they need and their current location. The app shows you the nearest available stations and other facilities they offer (e.g. cash machine, disabled toilet, car wash). Pros: You can request support ready for your arrival at the fuel station by selecting ‘ask for assistance’ and the station will respond on the app; you then have a 30-minute window to arrive at the station. On arrival, you select ‘i have arrived’ and let them know which pump you are at, and the attendant will come over to support you. Cons: On testing we found some minor inaccuracies on some of the finer details about certain fuel stations (e.g. listed as having a car wash which was not there), but there is a support page to raise common issues.