Improving Digital Connectivity for Accessible Travel
ConnectAssist
ConnectAssist is a research and innovation project that investigates how poor or unreliable internet connectivity creates digital barriers for travel, particularly affecting disabled travellers. We aim to understand the specific ways in which connectivity issues impact their travel experiences.
The problem we are trying to solve
Travel systems are increasingly digital, but connectivity is not always reliable.
This can cause problems such as:
- Not being able to access journey information
- Losing access to wayfinding or map apps
- Being unable to use digital tickets
- Missing live updates about delays or platform changes
- Losing contact with support workers, family or carers
- Feeling unsafe, anxious or unable to complete a journey
- Being excluded from transport systems that assume everyone can get online easily
For disabled travellers, these problems can create additional barriers and reduce independence, confidence and choice.
Our Approach
ConnectAssist follows the social model of disability. This means we do not believe disabled people are the problem.
We believe people are disabled by barriers in society, including inaccessible systems, poor planning, unreliable technology, lack of inclusive design, and decisions made without disabled people being involved.
The responsibility should not be on disabled people to fit into travel and transport systems.
Society has a responsibility to make sure disabled people are included, considered and involved in creating better solutions.
ConnectAssist is committed to co-creation, accessibility, inclusion and listening to people with lived experience.
Our research
We are carrying out research to better understand how connectivity issues affect people when travelling. We want to hear from:
- Disabled travellers
- Deaf people
- Neurodivergent travellers
- People with hidden disabilities
- Carers, personal assistants and support workers
- Public transport users
- People who travel for work, study, health appointments, leisure or caring responsibilities
- Anyone who has experienced problems staying connected while travelling
The research will help us identify common issues, patterns and priorities for future solutions.
ConnectAssist Consortium
DigiCreDis
Diverse Digital Group CIC
Liverpool 5G
DigiCreDis is a disabled-led business, led by Max Zadow. Its mission is to utilise and explore technology innovations that offer multiple advantage and benefits to disabled people across a wide range of sectors
Liverpool 5G
Diverse Digital Group CIC
Liverpool 5G
Liverpool 5G Ltd. is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to bringing the right people together to enhance connectivity for public services, people and businesses.
Diverse Digital Group CIC
Diverse Digital Group CIC
Diverse Digital Group CIC
Diverse Digital Group CIC, is a non-profit organisation and digital accessibility & inclusive technology consultancy, specialising in co-designed, ethical and culturally competent digital systems.
Funding Partners
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