People with disabilities across Australia could enjoy increased mobility thanks to a new online platform giving them access to modified vehicles that would otherwise be lying idle.
The initiative, to be piloted in South Australia by the not-for-profit tech company Connecting Up as part of YourSAy’s “Share” initiative, aims to engage with disability service providers and transport providers to create a new “sharing portal” providing access to the vehicles.
It would enable companies, and individuals, to rent out their idle transport assets directly to disability service providers and primary caregivers.
Connecting Up, which provides critical support for 26,000 not for profits by providing access to affordable digital technology and software, will co-design, develop and market the new platform.
Connecting Up is inviting any company, or individual, in Australia with ideas for the platform’s success to contribute by signing up at the Connecting Up website.
Contributors will have the opportunity to co-design and develop the platform itself, or to contribute idle or occasionally idle modified vehicles.
The Adelaide pilot has been designed as the forerunner to a nationwide program that will be supported and driven by transport companies, disability service providers, technology developers, and specialist rental firms across Australia.
Anne Gawen, Connecting Up CEO, says the program could provide better quality of life for people living with a disability, and could even provide extra income for individuals with modified vehicles, as well as allowing disability service providers to expand their services.
“This could be a life changing service for hundreds of thousands of Australians facing significant restrictions on their mobility because of a lack of suitable transport,” says Ms Gawen.
“It will also be a game changer for disability service providers by allowing them to open up new services, share vehicles and expand their customer bases.
“Having easy and affordable access to a modified vehicle is important not just for people with disabilities to get to appointments, but also for them to remain active and connected with their communities.
“And best of all, it will use resources that are currently lying idle.”
Companies, and individuals, will be able to post their available vehicles on the platform for rental at an affordable rate. Connecting Up is working towards a model in which insurance, roadside assistance and fuel costs are included in the rental fee.
YourSAy’s Share initiative seeks to create value or solve a social problem by making better use of idle or wasted resources.
Finalists were announced in June, and the program is now in the “idea incubation” period.
About Connecting Up:
Connecting Up is a not-for-profit organisation that connects other not-for-profit organisations with critical software, digital technology, advice and training that many would otherwise not be able to access.
Our services are available in Australia and New Zealand. We also help to develop relationships with business, community and government sectors for the development of the not-for-profit sector.