The ‘Ability List’ Connects the Disabled to Resources and
Alexander Lam — June 24, 2013 — Social Good
References: abilitylist & springwise
With the goal of helping the disabled get connected to resources, Andrew Horn founded ‘Ability List.’ The online platform was developed to mimic the function of Craigslist in order to help the less able. According to Horn, Ability List will help the disabled who “live isolated lives unnecessarily simply because they don’t know about the programs, resources, organizations and individuals that are available to help them.”
In addition to being a collection of crowd-generated resources, Ability List also has some convenient features. To help the less able to find resources, Ability List has a personalized email that lists out items that members may find interesting. A search function was also baked into the site.
Ability List has launched in New York and is currently only available there. Horn plans to expand by acquiring licencing agreements with municipal governments.
In addition to being a collection of crowd-generated resources, Ability List also has some convenient features. To help the less able to find resources, Ability List has a personalized email that lists out items that members may find interesting. A search function was also baked into the site.
Ability List has launched in New York and is currently only available there. Horn plans to expand by acquiring licencing agreements with municipal governments.
Trend Themes
1. Disabled-only Message Boards - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the development of online platforms that connect disabled individuals to resources and support.
2. Crowd-generated Resources - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating platforms that leverage crowd-generated resources to assist the disabled.
3. Personalized Recommendations - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing personalized recommendation systems for disabled individuals to discover relevant resources.
Industry Implications
1. Online Platforms - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the online platforms industry by creating dedicated platforms for disabled individuals to connect with resources.
2. Education and Support Services - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the education and support services industry by providing accessible resources and information for the disabled.
3. Government Partnerships - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in forming partnerships with municipal governments to expand the availability of resources and support for the disabled.
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