Ability App: Providing Accessibility Information

Alexander "Alex" Knoll, a 12-year-old from Post Falls, Idaho, has been in the process of developing Ability App for people with disabilities. This free app will list disability-friendly features of various locations (automatic doors, wheelchair ramps, etc.). Ability App will also keep users informed of disability services like in-home care and transportation as well as employment opportunities. People with visual impairments or without the use of their limbs can use the app with their voice while those without the use of their limbs or voice can use eye-tracking software. Ability App will make users aware of the accessibility of where they want to go. Knoll won awards at a few student invention competitions in 2015 and 2016. He was inspired to create Ability App after seeing a wheelchair user struggle to open a heavy door at a sporting goods store.

Knoll has appeared on TV shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show on which he received a $25,000 donation from Shutterfly, a company that makes photo books and other picture-related gifts. Knoll is looking for accessibility ambassadors to help populate accessibility information on the app, and donations are appreciated. For more information about Ability App, go to http://www.abilityapp.org/.