ICDP joins forces for Mobile Me Mapathon
On International Day of People With Disability (December 3), ICDP is joining hands with our friends and partners from across the Pacific to map a section of Suva and take part in a wide-range of fun activities at Sukuna Park, Fiji.
It’s all in support of Mobile Me, a project developed from the Pacific Connect Dialogue on Assistive Technologies, held earlier this year in Suva. Mobile Me Project aims to improve accessibility and lifestyles for people with disability in Fiji, as well as reduce poverty and empower people facing accessibility challenges. ICDP has joined the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Insight Collective Group, Common Code, HFC Bank and the Pacific Disability Forum to facilitate and sponsor this exciting event. The Mobile Me team has received sponsorship from ICDP and Common Code to develop phase one of a mobile application and temporary website, which will be ready for the mapathon.
What’s planned for the day? There’s so much going on! The day begins at 7:30am when the mapathon commences. Teams of 10 individuals made of 5 people living with disability paired with 5 able bodied people will walk hand in hand to map the streets. Entertainment acts and video support showcasing Mobile Me developments and International Day of People with Disability celebrations will be shown before speeches and a rally at midday. Team Prizes will be given away to the best-performing mapping team, before an afternoon of music, dance, food trucks and fun to celebrate the Mobile Me initiative and International Day of People with Disability.
Right now, there is no map in Fiji that locates easily accessible facilities for people with disability. The mapping event will seek to produce two maps by the end of the day, the first highlighting existing infrastructure available for people living with a disability, and the second map providing a “wish list” that highlights potential areas for easy mobility and services. The pilot site was selected according to (1) key services; (2) proper footpaths; and (3) tourism market and potential.
Mobile Me Project’s main goals are to:
- Collect baseline data on existing infrastructure that is available for a person with disability within Mobile Me’s study area. To identify a location within the pilot site and the type of infrastructure that will enable the community to move freely with limited supervision.
- Mapping the internal: to provide universal accessibility to include, green and safe public spaces, especially for children and women, people with disability and the elderly.
- Providing an e-commerce platform to promote business and connect buyers to sellers, ensuring a safe and easily accessible experience for people with disability.
ICDP will provide coverage support in the lead-up to and during the event. For more information, check out the Mobile Me Project Facebook page and the event page. We can’t wait to see everyone mapping the streets of Suva in a few weeks!
We are seeking your support toward our effort and invite you to join us on this worthy course. Any form of community engagement, partnerships and sponsorships would be appreciated – please get in contact with us for more!
