Planet O is a non-profit organisation that focuses on providing a lifestyle resource for
people
with unique
access requirements. The organisation was founded friends who are passionate about advocating for the
social
needs of people living with disabilities.
We aim to do this by creating a tool that can help people with
disabilities lead more independent social lives. Our resource will also enable the friends and family
members
of people with disabilities to better support the social needs of the people they love.
Our resource will take the form of an online platform which will provide access to trusted, verifiable,
relevant, and current information about places and spaces that are accessible for all.
By using our online
tool you will be able to search for information about accessible places to visit and things to do. The
places
that are listed will be verified against a set of criteria for various challenges (think wheelchair
access,
how noisy a place is or access to public transport, etc.).
Develop and maintain a trusted, verified, reliable and accessible online
guide for people with
disabilities.
To improve the lives of socially isolated people by helping them be more independent.
Advocate for universal access, inclusive design and disability sensitised service.
People with hearing, visual and mobility disabilities.
Family members and loved ones of people with hearing, visual and physical disabilities.
Professionals in the tourism industry, restaurant owners and service providers who would like to make
their
staff attuned to serving people living with disabilities.
“I am the digital editor for a South African magazine, and have always had a keen interest in using technology and content to make a difference. I have been part of Planet O’s inception. A dear friend of mine is living in a wheelchair and after numerous social outings with him, I came to realise that very few places catered for his basic needs (i.e. access to a bathroom) or his service dog. The only option was to create a platform that would enable him to confidently explore places without facing the cold shoulder of untrained staff or physical boundaries. My philosophy along this journey has been simple: let’s create a world where we cater for the person that needs a ramp, and then everyone will fit comfortably and be welcome.”
“My vision is to play a huge role in promoting Universal Access as an instrument for social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities. This piece of technology represents an exciting and unique opportunity to transform lives and social needs for many people with special needs. I am delighted and eternally optimistic about the many possibilities this dynamic and digital lifestyle resource has to offer.”
I am a blind computer scientist who loves going out and exploring the world. I firmly believe that the technology that Planet O is developing will expand access, provide agency, and make exploration easier for persons with disabilities like myself.
“My Planet O journey started in 2019 when I realised that there is no single platform which provides information about how accessible a place is for people with disabilities. My vision is to create a trusted and centralised resource which provides information on whether a specific place is accessible for people living with disabilities. This project has taken on a life of its own and attracted the interest and commitment of a dedicated team and external stakeholders. I am honoured and humbled to be a part of a movement which is making the world more inclusive and accessible for everyone, allowing us to share common spaces together.”
