Shout Digital's new travel app 'assist-Mi’ for the disabled launched
Shout Digital has been chosen by assist-Mi to develop an app to deliver a mobility solution to improve travel for disabled people by helping them access a number of public places.
Gary McFarlane (Co-Founder, assist-Mi) and Gary Boon (Shout Digital)
The Newcastle-based firm used their expertise in web design and digital media services to improve the lifestyles of those with disabilities by helping them access public places by designing the 'assist-Mi' app.
Using GPS technology and two-way messaging streams, the app, which has been developed 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 providing them with greater control than ever over their travel plans and offering them greater independence on a day to day basis.
Shout Digital CEO Gary Boon, said: “It was crucial in developing this app that it worked in real time, 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".
He added: “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."
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.