Findby: An Application for Accessibility and Inclusive Exploration

Inclusion and accessibility are essential human rights that should be upheld in all aspects of life, including access to both public and private spaces. Unfortunately, in Colombia, the rights of people with disabilities are often marginalized and neglected, with only 7 out of 100 Colombians having disabilities in 2022. Furthermore, despite 36.9% of people with disabilities in Colombia living with reduced mobility, however, the cities remain largely inaccessible for them. This paper introduces Findby, a web application designed for users with reduced mobility, aiming to provide information on the accessibility of places and promote inclusive exploration through challenges and a reward system. The app utilizes user-centered design and leverages technology to improve access to both public and private spaces. Findby’s key features include accessibility markers, user-generated content, review comments, ratings, and customized route-based challenges, making the application engaging and user-friendly. Findby has the potential to contribute significantly to improving accessibility and inclusion for individuals with reduced mobility. Future work includes expanding the user community, improving the accuracy of accessibility information, incorporating accessibility information for private spaces, integrating additional features, and expanding globally to promote inclusivity and accessibility worldwide.