Getting the message ‘Out & About’

The app, which enables people with mobility limitations and carers find accessible venues and events, is now averaging 20 downloads a day and has more than 1,300 venues and events listed.

While many of the venues and events listed are in metropolitan Melbourne, rural and regional local government areas in Victoria and interstate organisations have expressed interest in including venues and events on the app.

It is available for iPhone and Villa Maria hopes to develop an Android version this year to make it accessible to all devices. Updates to the app are also planned to improve the user experience.

A community powered platform, it works like TripAdvisor, allowing users to rate, review and suggest. It lists museums, cafes, parks, playgrounds, shops, cinemas, beaches and more. Users can filter venues based on their accessibility features and because it is location based, users can instantly look up events and facilities nearby or use it to plan their day before they leave home.

Villa Maria, a Victorian not for profit aged and disability care provider, hopes Out & About will grow to become the “go to app” for carers and people with mobility limitations and is urging the community and businesses to suggest more venues and events for inclusion.

The app is available free from the App Store or via the link at http://outandaboutapp.com.au