The City of Raleigh is stepping up their accessibility game with the launch of a new online tool known as iAccess, which aims to collect input on ADA parking and public spaces from those it affects most, people with disabilities, beginning next Monday. Developed by the Atlanta-based company iAccess Life, the tool is designed to empower individuals with mobility challenges to share their personal experiences of parking downtown, and in a push for inclusion, city officials are hopeful that this initiative will mark a positive turn towards a more accessible urban landscape.
With a partnership forged between Raleigh and Passport, their parking technology partner, the iAccess app is set to make its mark on the local scene, offering a direct line for feedback on the practicality of parking spots, sidewalk access, and overall convenience, but the implementation comes with more than just an app, it's a signal that Raleigh is paying attention and willing to act towards bettering the cityscape for those who often struggle within it. The City of Raleigh will be installing new signs at nearly 30 ADA parking spaces, each sign equipped with its own QR code linking directly to the survey tool, so feedback can be captured with ease and any minor inconvenience won’t deter people from sharing their thoughts.
According to a statement obtained by the City of Raleigh's website, the CEO and Co-Founder of iAccess Life, Brandon Winfield expressed his excitement, "We are thrilled to see the steps Raleigh is taking to go above and beyond for their community," and his anticipation in supporting the city’s journey to an increasingly inclusive environment can be keenly felt. Meanwhile, Raleigh Transportation's own Senior Transportation Analyst, Tony Howard, noted the city's pride in their partnership with iAccess Life, stating, "This initiative shows our commitment to creating a city where everyone feels included."
This tech is pioneering for Raleigh, showcasing the strides they are making towards inclusion and the desire to hear directly from the community in an effort to tailor a downtown experience that's accessible to all, the city hopes that by engaging with the population who are most affected they will be able to ensure a more fluid and stress-free citywide navigation for individuals with disabilities. From the ease of scanning a QR code to the thoughtful reflection that such feedback invites, Raleigh demonstrates that inclusion is not just a buzzword to them but a practical and integral aspect of city development and community engagement.
