The Association of People with Disability (APD), a Bengaluru-based NGO, has launched YesToAccess, India’s first AI-powered mobile app designed to assess public spaces for accessibility.
Using the app, users can simply point their phone’s camera at a building or structure, and AI evaluates key features such as ramps, railings, accessible toilets, tactile pathways, and navigation signage. The app then assigns an accessibility rating based on 35 parameters and displays it on a public map, helping users identify barrier-free spaces with ease.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap
Traditionally, individuals with disabilities have relied on platforms like Google Reviews for accessibility information, but such reviews often lack essential details. YesToAccess fills this gap by providing precise data, including doorway width and object identification, through AI-driven image analysis.
Accessibility audits often cover over 700 parameters, but findings are usually limited to reports for building owners, many of whom take no action. YesToAccess ensures that crucial information reaches those who need it most, benefiting not only persons with disabilities but also the elderly.
Nationwide Accessibility Initiative
Recognizing the app’s potential, the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is integrating YesToAccess into a national accessibility audit. The initiative will be launched on February 7 in Prayagraj through a special yatra, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive India.
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