Inclusivity and Accessibility in the Smart City, with Chad Ramage

In this episode I have a fascinating conversation with Chad Ramage, Founder of Accessibility in the City, an online mapping solution that helps support those with accessibility issues with navigation. As someone in a wheelchair himself who is actively working on an innovative solution to accessibility problems, I knew Chad was going to be an excellent guest for our #mobilitymarch series. In this episode Chad tells us about his background in information technology and his passion for accessibility, including his experiences being in a wheelchair that really sparked his interest in the Smart Community and Accessibility space. Chad and I discuss what a Smart Community is and why the concepts of accessibility and inclusion so important, plus the need for genuine consultation on accessibility solutions with the people who have accessibility problems. We talk about how data can help Chad with planning accessible journeys, and all about his platform to help others do just that. Chat explains Accessibility in the City, including how it works and who is using it the most so far. We discuss why accessibility needs to be a key area for local government, and how increasing accessibility also means increasing social inclusion and quality of life. We finish our chat discussing the emerging trend of data security and privacy for everybody, but especially how that impacts people with disabilities and other vulnerable community members, plus the biggest accessibility issues Chad has that people don't talk about enough. As always we hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Find the full show notes at: www.mysmart.community Connect with Chad via LinkedIn, on Facebook or via the website Connect with me via email: hello@mysmart.community Connect with My Smart Community via LinkedIn or Twitter The Smart Community Podcast is produced by Perk Digital.