Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine October 2022 | Page 53

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Why it ’ s needed
Accessibility for physical spaces generally focuses on mobility challenges such as access ramps , automatic doors , and designated parking spaces . Even the international symbol for accessibility is a person in a wheelchair . But that ’ s only part of the story . If we want to be universally inclusive , we need to broaden our definition of accessibility . RightHear helps people with all types of mobility and orientation challenges .
Braille signs are one solution helping the blind and visually impaired , but only 10 % of this community can read braille and you need to know where the sign is located in order to read it .
As Covid-19 restrictions ease , we ’ re still very much in a “ no touch ” era . RightHear ’ s contactless accessible signage is yet another example of how businesses can leverage technology to create inclusive , sanitary , and accessible customer and employee experiences .
Where it all began
From a very young age , Idan Meir , CoFounder and CEO of RightHear , found navigating and orienting himself in public spaces frustrating . He struggled to create mental maps , determine cardinal directions , or even get his bearings from landmarks .
During his Army service , Idan undertook extensive orientation training but always came last because he got lost and disoriented ; every single time .
Fast-forward a few years and Idan , alongside his business partner Gil Elgrably , were building a retail couponing business . Whilst scouting opportunities in the local mall , Idan kept getting lost . That ’ s when they realized they could serve thousands of people who need help navigating and orienting themselves in public spaces . Immediately they set to work . And in 2015 , RightHear was born .
Looking to the future
make autonomous vehicles more accessible to the blind and low-vision . As the winners of the VW Konnect Startup
Challenge 2021 , they ’ re making Mobility as a Service accessible and inclusive .
With regards to office workers , we ’ re now entering “ The Great Return ”, which provides an opportunity for office premises and work facilities to become fully accessible .
As lockdown restrictions are easing , more businesses and services are opening back up . Businesses have a huge opportunity to create inclusive and accessible experiences .
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