First university disability app launches in York

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York will be the first university in the country to offer the assistance request app “Assist-Mi” to disabled students.

According to Fiona Macey, the Sustainable Travel and Transport Manager, the app “will make it easier for disabled people to access our facilities and will also make it easier for the University to support them.”

Users will be able to request on-site assistance through the mobile app “via the click of a button”.

According to university registrar David Duncan “The University is progressively working to break down barriers for disabled people, whether students, staff or visitors.”

As well as the app, the University has the Disability Accessibility Group in place, including representatives from YUSU and GSA.

According to Duncan, the group “works closely with colleagues in Estates to implement improvements across the campus.”

In addition, the Vice Chancellor Koen Lamberts is launching the Disabled Staff Network on 2 February, with Dr Alice Maynard, a York graduate and key adviser to Transport for London as guest speaker.

Registrar Duncan remains confident that “While there is more we need to do, we are very positive about improving the campus environment for disabled people and ensuring that everyone can fulfill their potential, regardless of disability”.

Disabled Students Officer Thomas Ron said “I am very happy the University has developed this app.

“York can be very confusing for disabled visitors and this app will go a long way in rectifying that.”