The Walker - Providing better accessibility to amputees using public transportation

The primary objective of this project is to design walking aids that allow disabled individuals to travel safely and independently using public transportation in Mumbai. This proposal outlines the problem, insights, identified challenges, and potential solutions to enhance the mobility of differently-abled individuals.

Problem Statement: How might we design walking aids that allow disabled people to travel safely and independently using public transportation in Mumbai?

User Insights: Our primary user, an 84-year-old individual with limited mobility, faces several challenges at Andheri Railway Station:

Travel Restrictions: Can only travel during non-peak hours. Assistance Required: Needs help from two people to get on and off the platform, as well as to sit and stand. Pain and Discomfort: Experiences pain in shoulders, back, and hips due to prolonged standing on crutches. Key Quotes: “आभार है सब मदद कर देते है” “ज्यादा देर खड़ा नहीं रह सकता कंधे में दर्द होने लगता है पीठ में दर्द होने लगता है” “ऑपरेशन के लिए ३ लाख मांगे है हॉस्पिटल वालो ने पर मेरे पास नहीं है” “कुछ सालों की बात है एक दो साल बाद तो हम ही नहीं रहेंगे” “उठने बैठने के लिए भी मदद चाहिए होती है आभार है मदद कर देते है लोग” “भीड़ में नहीं जा सकता गिर जाएगा चढ़ने उठाने को 2 लोग की मदद चाहिए होती है” Key Challenges Identified: Travel During Rush Hours: How might we enable differently-abled individuals to travel safely and comfortably during rush hours? Accessibility of Public Transport: How might we create a more accessible public transportation system that reduces the need for assistance from others? Ergonomic Seating Options: How might we develop ergonomic and supportive seating options for differently-abled individuals in public spaces? Infrastructure Improvement: How might we improve the accessibility of public infrastructure to accommodate the physical limitations of differently-abled individuals? Proposed Solutions:

1. Training and Equipping Staff:

Sensitization training for railway and bus employees. Hiring accessibility coordinators to assist during rush hours. 2. Assisting Differently-Abled Individuals:

AI assistants for Divyangjan. Service animals. Handrail guided paths. 3. Infrastructure Design:

Ramps at stations. Reserved seating areas. Tactile tiles and vibration feedback shoe soles. Augmented reality glasses for guidance. 4. Managing Rush Hours:

Awareness campaigns for co-passengers. Webinars on disability awareness. 5. Supporting Continuous Improvement:

Community outreach and feedback loops. Prototype development and iterative improvement. Product Ideas: Smart Bands: For fall, health, and location monitoring. Tactile Tiles: For better navigation. Vibration Feedback Shoe Soles: For enhanced stability and feedback. Level Adjustable Walking Aids: To assist with different environments like train stations and stairs. Ergonomic Seating: To provide comfort and support during transit. Emotional Impact: Enhancing mobility and independence will improve the emotional well-being of differently-abled individuals by:

Boosting self-esteem and confidence. Reducing anxiety and stress. Increasing social interactions and inclusivity. NGO Collaboration: We propose partnering with organizations such as the Jiv Daya Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of differently-abled individuals. Their expertise and resources can significantly enhance the implementation and reach of our solutions.

Why Jiv Daya Foundation:

Renowned for their commitment to differently-abled individuals. Their support can help in developing and distributing our walking aids effectively. Conclusion: Our project aims to provide ergonomic, accessible, and supportive solutions to enable differently-abled individuals to travel safely and independently in Mumbai’s public transportation system. With the right partnerships and continuous improvement, we can significantly enhance their quality of life and mobility.