'Project Sidewalk' Uses Google Street View to Appraise Accessibility
Joey Haar — December 21, 2016 — Social Good
References: sidewalk.umiacs.umd.edu & nextcity.org
'Project Sidewalk' cleverly incorporates preexisting technology into its efforts to make cities more accessible for people with disabilities. The project is an online system that harnesses Google Street View to let any user virtually roam the streets and appraise their sidewalks to make sure they're up to code.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal legal standard that governs and regulates qualities of public spaces in the US, including sidewalks. The unfortunate reality of a federal act that covers so much public space is that it is difficult to monitor, thus leaving many sidewalks below code. Project Sidewalk makes it easier for concerned citizens to make an impact on improving these public spaces by allowing them to conduct audits without ever leaving their homes.
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal legal standard that governs and regulates qualities of public spaces in the US, including sidewalks. The unfortunate reality of a federal act that covers so much public space is that it is difficult to monitor, thus leaving many sidewalks below code. Project Sidewalk makes it easier for concerned citizens to make an impact on improving these public spaces by allowing them to conduct audits without ever leaving their homes.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Accessibility Audits - 'Project Sidewalk' uses Google Street View to perform virtual sidewalk audits, which could disrupt the traditional on-site audit industry.
2. Crowdsourced Sidewalk Appraisals - 'Project Sidewalk' allows any user to contribute to sidewalk appraisals, disrupting traditional methods of assigning inspection workers.
3. Digital Inclusion Initiatives - 'Project Sidewalk' is part of a larger trend of digital tools being used to promote social inclusion and accessibility for all demographics.
Industry Implications
1. Government Compliance Monitoring - State and federal government agencies could use 'Project Sidewalk' technology to monitor sidewalk accessibility compliance more efficiently.
2. Nonprofit Accessibility Advocacy - Nonprofit organizations could leverage 'Project Sidewalk' technology to gather data on sidewalk accessibility issues and work towards policy change.
3. Smart City Infrastructure Development - Cities aiming to improve accessibility can use 'Project Sidewalk' data to inform infrastructure development plans for smarter, more accessible urban spaces.
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