Access Aware has the potential to be very useful for all disabled people, their families, and whānau. Brought to you by CCS Disability Action and SaferMe, Access Aware will significantly improve everyday access issues that prevent many people from fully participating in their communities.

It’s free. It’s easy to use and it could help change the accessibility landscape in New Zealand by supporting people to locate mobility parks and to report incidents where vehicles not displaying a mobility permit are parked illegally.

The free Access Aware app is available nationwide but requires each council, or private carpark provider to sign up to it before it is activated. Tauranga City Council will join Christchurch, Wellington, and Hutt City councils as early adapters of this new technology.

David Matthews, Chief Executive of CCS Disability Action says, “We are delighted that Tauranga City Council has taken the initiative to join other councils around New Zealand as early adaptors of the Access Aware app. Feedback from our more than 150,000 mobility parking permit holders would indicate that frustration with mobility parking misuse is at an all-time high.”

“We regularly hear that people without a permit park in a mobility car park because they are ‘just going to be a couple of minutes’ or ‘they didn’t see the sign’. However, the reality is that mobility car parks have been created for a reason and there is no excuse to use one if you do not have a valid permit. Tauranga City Council has really stepped up by agreeing to use the Access Aware app and we commend them highly for showing this kind of leadership,” says David.

Tauranga City Council Community Development Advisor Kieran Wall explains that through the implementation of the disability strategy, the council has a goal to make the city more accessible for the 28% of the population living with a disability. This is why they are keen to utilise tools such as the Access Aware App.

“It’s great to see how technology like this app can support people with disabilities to live active and engaged lives and we can’t wait to see it go live,’ said Wall.
Members of the disability community, their friends and families are invited to download the app from Google Play or Apple store by searching for 'Access Aware'. There is a dedicated Helpline for questions and technical issues on 0508 227 322 which is available between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

© Scoop Media