Liverpool ONE introduces two new accessibility tools
Liverpool ONE has announced the introduction of two brand new schemes aimed at improving accessibility at the centre.
The new tools, Sociability and Waymap, have launched at the centre this week, and look to support the some 58,000 households in the Liverpool City region with at least one disabled member.
Sociability is designed to help people with disabilities to find accessible spaces. As part of the initial pilot, the majority of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues within Liverpool have been visited to assess their accessibility features and an online directory of the venues has been created.
The directory allows visitors to filter results based on their specific needs, such as seating availability and accessible toilet provisions.
Matt Pierri, founder and CEO at Sociability, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Liverpool ONE to make it easier than ever for disabled people to find accessible places to eat, shop and socialise. Sociability takes away the stress and anxiety of planning an accessible day out – helping more disabled people to enjoy all that Liverpool ONE has to offer, and to spend more time with the people they love, in the places they want to visit.”
Launching alongside Sociability is navigation app Waymap, which has been designed to work indoors, outdoors, and even underground without the use of GPS. Built primarily for blind and partially-sighted people, the app also includes a step-free access option to assist users with reduced mobility.
Dr Tom Pey, CEO and founder of Waymap, who is also blind, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be working alongside Liverpool ONE, helping to ensure that all visitors, especially those with visual impairments, can navigate Liverpool ONE independently and confidently.”
Donna Howitt, place strategy director at Liverpool ONE, added: “We are on a journey working with partners, experts and visitors with accessibility needs, to make Liverpool ONE and the city centre as welcoming as possible.
“Liverpool ONE is a destination that has something for everyone, and we are committed to supporting our local communities and everyone having the best possible experience while they visit. The pilot with Sociability and Waymap is making significant steps forward to achieve this goal.
“We are encouraging feedback back from visitors on their experience using these new tools and together continue to enhance visitor welcome.”
Earlier this year, Liverpool ONE became the first retail destination to introduce a new sustainability facility, with the installation of a Mobile Segregation Unit.