On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 34 I March/February 2020 | Page 14

Better Access Map Takes the guesswork out of going out for Coasties with a disability Areas of expertise: • • • • Hand Surgery Knee Surgery Joint Replacement Shoulder Surgery Do you have joint pain? For a consultation contact T: 1800 686 694 T: 02 4341 9925 E: [email protected] Dr Simon Hutabarat consults and operates at said that she is excited about providing Coasties and visitors to the Central Coast region with valuable accessibility information. ”The Better Access Map exists to provide detailed information about businesses and organisations so people with a disability, carers and anyone who needs to know more about accessibility can find out if a place will be suitable for them. We are thrilled to provide this resource to the community and to be delivering on our social mission to help more people to access and participate in their community” The feedback from users of the app has been overwhelmingly positive, and the initiative has already contributed to a growing awareness of accessibility needs in the business community. ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON Dr Simon Hutabarat is a highly reputable Orthopaedic Surgeon who has been consulting on the Central Coast for the past 15 years. Dr Hutabarat developed expertise in computer navigated joint replacements when the technology was first introduced. Over the past 20 years the technology has developed to include virtual planning, trialling and even laser or GPS guided implantation systems. Simon has renowned expertise in joint replacement in the elderly and has served as an instructor/lecturer at courses around Australia and overseas. Dr Hutabarat has used the anterior approach for hips over the past 10 years. 14 ON T H E C OA S T – OV ER 5 5 P symbols that relate to a range of accessibility requirements including accessible toilets, braille menu’s, hearing loops, accessible parking and more.  This feature enables users of the website or app to select businesses and organisations that meet their access needs. These stickers can also be found on the shopfront’s of venues to showcase accessibility at a glance. Vinnies Access & Inclusion Manager, Amelia McCormack, eople living with a disability, seniors, their families and friends or anyone needing accessibility information can find hundreds of businesses and organisations on the Better Access Map, a smartphone app and website. The project, run by St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, aims to take the guesswork out of going out by providing easy to use information on physical, hearing, visual and sensory access needs. A key feature of the app is the Access At A Glance symbols.  A set of 15