'It's not as simple as saying we're accessible'

Sociability is an app which provides accessibility information for disabled users looking to visit hospitality venues across the UK.

The data is collected through a combined effort of crowd-sourced information provided by users, for other users, and Sociability's mapping team.

"Mapping days" are also held several times a year offering the chance for members of the disabled community to get together to chat, eat cake, and team up to map venues across the city.

We went out on such a day in Newcastle with Jennie Berry, from Hartlepool, who has been a wheelchair user for seven years.

"No venue is ever going to be perfect in terms of accessibility and that's why all we want to do is just collate that information, and allow people to decide for themselves what does or doesn't work," she said.

The group of volunteers and wheelchair users mapped venues on Newcastle’s Grey Street and in Eldon Square.

Video produced by Alex Challies.

17 September 2024