Programmes that address access issues for disabled people in street navigation, reading, housing and sports education through technology are set to receive a boost through a programme run through the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, in collaboration with start-up hub Creative HQ.
The six successful applicants of the Access Activator pilot programme have been selected, Disability Issues Minister, Louise Upston, confirmed.
“About one in six people in New Zealand live with a disability, and that number is expected to grow alongside the aging population. That means providing solutions to accessibility affects a growing number of Kiwis. Disabled New Zealanders also make an important contribution to society and the economy,” said the Minister.
“We want disabled New Zealanders – like all New Zealanders – to be able to excel, work, thrive and participate in their communities.
“This funding will provide more opportunities to ensure that.”
The projects were selected with input from the Accessibility Advisory Group, Creative HQ, and an evaluation panel comprising disabled people and Ministry of Disabled People senior leaders.
Applications were marked against criteria which considered the impact and value delivered, project feasibility, involvement of disabled people, and an evidence-based problem statement and solution.
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha received 161 applications for the funding.
For projects ready to scale, up to $100,000 was available for applications, while projects at the ideas stage could apply for up to $25,000.
Whaikaha is providing $405,000 in funding across the six projects.
The successful applicants are:
Access Quest – an app that helps plan accessible journeys
Intermentis – An AI-driven smart doorstep assistant for disabled and elderly people
Veera – An app to help organisations improve the accessibility of their buildings
People First: Easy Read Mobile Library – making Easy Read more available on mobile phones
Āhei – A platform making sport more inclusive for disabled children. The programme has already had significant use in schools
Insight Research – to develop a toolkit to make homes more autism-friendly
Each of the successful applicants will receive mentoring and support from the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha and Creative HQ to help them deliver maximum impact for disabled Kiwis.
