The new free Inclusive London iPhone app, launched earlier this year, is praised by the 29 year old disabled actor David Proud. Recently granted the Freedom of London by the Guildhall, David downloaded and used the Inclusive London app during a short stay in London.
The app is linked to the Mayor of London's official access portal for the 2012 Games and legacy www.inclusivelondon.com. Travelling to London from his home in Peterborough, David used independent wheelchair access as the search criteria locating, via the app, the Days Hotel, Kennington Road, London SE1 and was filmed checking in.
David Proud also used the app to search for a nearby attraction and chose to visit the Imperial War Museum, quickly and easily locating the side entrance for disabled people, with its ramp and level surface to the lift, which he took to the atrium. Famous for his role as Adam Best in the soap 'EastEnders', schoolchildren waved to him as he toured the large exhibits.
Back at his office he reported how easy it was to search www.inclusivelondon.com and to add a review to a location as he praised the staff at the Imperial War Museum for their helpfulness.
"Confidence is crucial when handling the challenges of a disability so I want to thank you for this fabulous app," said David Proud, "I am increasingly in and out of London and this app will make it much easier for me to get about."
The access portal www.inclusivelondon.com provides a range of information to people with access needs, including those with disabilities, older people and parents with young children and buggies. The site allows visitors to add locations and post reviews of the places they have visited.
"Now I won't have to Google each venue to check access. I especially like the detailed information about venues including whether there is accessible parking. There is a good range of London pubs. I hang out at the British Film Institute a fair bit and there are two great bars there. I will add it to the Inclusive London website reviewing what I like best about it so that others can enjoy it too," said David Proud.
The Inclusive London iPhone app provides people with greater flexibility and power to locate accessible places while on the move around the capital. Visitors can use it to locate accessible hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, museums, art galleries, tourist attractions and London 2012 venues from a growing register of a hundred thousand London businesses, of which 30,000 have detailed access information.
Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, said: "InclusiveLondon.com has proven to be a valuable resource for people visiting the capital and the new free app will make finding accessible places even easier. As we work to improve accessibility before and after the Games, I encourage businesses across the city to do all they can to improve access and help people make the most of their time in London."
Grant Kennedy, Managing Director of Direct Enquiries said, "London businesses can register basic information free of charge and upgrade to detailed information and audits by contacting Direct Enquiries. All organisations are looking to maximise footfall and revenue opportunities and opening their doors to people with specific access requirements will go a long way to achieving maximum growth. We are encouraging the general public to add reviews to businesses detailing their experiences."
Direct Enquiries developed InclusiveLondon.com for the GLA launching it in March 2011 and the popularity of the website is such that it has received more than 8 million hits.
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For further information, contact: Sandra Ingham, PR and Marketing Manager
T: 01344 360101
E: Sandra.ingham@directenquiries.com
Notes for editors
David Proud is available for radio and breakfast TV interviews about disabled access in London and the Inclusive London iPhone app. His availability includes week of 23 January (except Wednesday 25th) and week of 30 January 2012. David will require a parking space to attend TV interviews.
The app may be downloaded from the Mayor's official information portal for 2012 Games and legacy called Inclusive London, www.inclusivelondon.com.
Images of the iPhone app may be viewed here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/inclusive-london/id489810032?mt=8
On Sunday 8 January the app was chosen by The Sunday Times as 'App of the Week' increasing downloads by 50% in one day alone.
What is Direct Enquiries?
Direct Enquiries, a Mitie company, works with organisations to minimise risk and maximise potential. Direct Enquiries is a compliance based organisation and the UK's leading provider of access audits. The company mission is to help businesses minimise risk and maximise revenue when dealing with people with specific access requirements.
Visit: www.directenquiriesltd.com
