Sasol, the international integrated chemicals and energy company, launched yesterday the Accessible Qatar initiative at Katara Hall in the presence of top officials, dignitaries and media.
Accessible Qatar is a smartphone app and website where the disabled community is able to view the public and tourism locations and outlets in Qatar and whether they are accessible and in what way.
Responding to the need for reliable and vetted information about the accessibility of popular venues across the nation, it will bring new mobility and further inclusion for the disabled community.
The app and website (www.AccessibleQatar.com) is available in Arabic and English with accessibility features for free for all users.
Sasol has developed it in partnership with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Qatar Tourism Authority, Hamad Bin Khalifa University and other institutions.
At launch, 50 locations around Qatar, ranging from retail locations to hotels and public parks, have been audited by an expert and detailed information is available for people with various types of disabilities.
The app also allows users to rate and submit their reviews about the accessibility of venues.
Sheikh Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for General Services Affairs, said, “We believe that this app will be very beneficial for the local community and urge all organisations in Qatar to renovate and improve their venues in support of accessibility.”.
Dr Amal Al Malki, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences at HBKU, said, “HBKU has been working with Sasol from the very beginning on Accessible Qatar through our Translation and Interpreting Institute.
“We believe that the initiative will make lives easier for the disabled community in Qatar.”
Source: http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar/383918/accessible-qatar-app-and-website-launched