Comment: How Wheelshare is revolutionising accessibility in public places for people with disabilities
Accessibility is a crucial aspect of modern life, yet it remains a challenge in many public spaces. Wheelshare, which provides state-of-the-art automated self-service wheelchair rental stations in public spaces such as as airports and hospitals, looks to address these challenges by creating innovative solutions that enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities. In this article, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, Business Development Manager (UK & Ireland) at Wheelshare, shares some insights from the firm’s journey in improving accessibility in various venues.
Understanding the universal challenges
One of the primary lessons we’ve learned is that the challenges faced by individuals with mobility issues are universal. Whether in a hospital, an airport, or a public park, the need for reliable and readily available mobility aids is critical. Often, the lack of accessible options can significantly hinder the ability of individuals to navigate these spaces independently and with dignity.
Inspired by the success of self-service bike rental models, we developed self-service wheelchair hubs. These hubs are strategically placed to provide easy access to wheelchairs, ensuring that anyone who needs one can quickly and conveniently obtain it. Our approach has several key benefits, including ensuring users can access wheelchairs without having to wait for assistance, promoting greater independence.
By reducing wait times and streamlining access, we enhance the overall user experience. Our shared wheelchair system ensures that wheelchairs are used efficiently. For example, in a hospital, a person uses our system for about two hours, returning the wheelchair for others to use.
This maximizes usage and reduces the need for multiple wheelchairs. We have discovered that our hubs encourage people to return the chairs, lowering the levels of wheelchairs left around, stolen, or damaged.
Tailoring solutions for different environments
In hospitals, our hubs cater to both outpatients and inpatients. Outpatients can easily access wheelchairs upon arrival, while our inpatient solution optimises the workflow of hospital porters, improving patient flow and reducing delays. This seamless integration enhances the overall patient experience.
Our partners include: King’s College Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
At airports, the need for mobility aids is especially critical given the vast distances and complex layouts. Our hubs ensure that passengers with mobility needs can navigate the airport comfortably, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with travel.
In parks, shopping centres, and event venues, our wheelchair hubs can make it possible for everyone to participate fully in public life. Accessibility should be a given, not an afterthought.
Leveraging technology for better asset management
An integral part of our solution is our advanced asset monitoring system. By utilising cutting-edge technologies, we ensure that wheelchairs are always accounted for and maintained in good condition. This technology not only helps us manage our assets more effectively but also provides valuable data that can be used to improve our services continually.
Our work has taught us that collaboration is key to achieving accessibility goals. Whether partnering with healthcare providers, airport authorities, or public administrators, we’ve found that working together yields the best results. Sponsorship opportunities also play a crucial role, allowing businesses to support accessibility initiatives while enhancing their corporate social responsibility profiles.
As we continue to innovate, our focus remains on expanding our reach and improving our technology. We are exploring new features for our wheelchair hubs, such as enhanced user interfaces and more robust tracking capabilities. Our goal is to set a new standard for accessibility in public spaces, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their mobility needs, can navigate the world with ease.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility that requires innovative thinking and collaborative efforts. At Wheelshare, we are committed to leading the way in this important field, and we invite others to join us in making a tangible difference. By sharing our experiences and insights, we hope to inspire further advancements in accessibility and mobility solutions.
To get in touch with Wheelshare and find out more please email sharon@wheel-share.com
