Case StudyAccessibel

Addressing accessibility in the outdoors

Despite a quarter of New Zealanders facing barriers to outdoor exploration due to disabilities, inclusive content supporting a diverse range of people and abilities to plan their excursions is lacking. Hand in hand with this issue lies the challenging question: how do you capture accessibility information and share it in a meaningful way? These were the problems that inspired Carl Pavletich to begin building Accessibel—a world-leading data collection tool and accessibility profiling methodology.

Accessibel is on a mission to enable a wide spectrum of people to experience more of the natural world in Aotearoa by providing all the information they need to explore. Originating from Sensibel, a project focused on enhancing city infrastructure based on tracking cyclist experiences, Accessibel caught the attention of the Halberg Foundation , who were seeking similar solutions for recreational accessibility. Today, Accessibel is collaborating with local authorities, sharing technology and methodologies to enable the crowdsourcing of accessibility data and, ultimately, outdoor exploration for all.

The technology

At the heart of Accessibel's solution is its unique approach combining a data collection tool and an accessibility profiling methodology. With Accessibel, Devart developed three core technology solutions. The Accessibel Profiling App, a progressive web app for gathering detailed track information, recording with photos and notes any accessibility features or challenges and integrating this data into maps. Data is kept consistent and comprehensive by moderators who review profiled track data using the Accessibel moderator app before uploading the data to the Accessibel website. From the Accessibel website, trail information is readily accessible to help anyone planning an outdoor adventure. Additionally, councils and community initiatives are able to access profiled trail data using the Accessibel API.

Laravel

Vue

Quasar

A unified approach

Accessibel has played a key role across a range of local initiatives and projects since the app was launched. In 2024, Accessibel was selected to take part in the Hawaiki Hou Pilot Project with Sport New Zealand - Ihi Aotearoa.Hawaiki Hou is a community-led kaupapa and a collaboration of stakeholders intended to be a catalyst towards a future where it is easier for all New Zealanders to be active – an objective that aligns closely with the ambition for Accessibel. Community and collaboration are integral to how Accessibel works. In Carl's words: "It needs to be a unified approach because… it's such a big problem to solve that you can’t do it on your own".

Other local community projects and successes using the Accessibel technology include:

“It feels like I’m in safe hands with Devart”

For Accessibel, working with Devart has been a game-changer. One standout aspect is Devart’s reliability—whether remote in the heart of nature or back at the office after a long day profiling tracks, Carl can rest easy knowing he can trust the technology to work and to securely capture the data. Devart's grasp of the proof of concept process and ability to navigate tight budgets while still meeting all expectations, ‘hitting that sweet spot’ every time, is another notable positive of working together. Investing in technology is no small thing. But through Devart’s collaborative approach and commitment to reducing technical debt, Carl is confident that the Accessibel solution is built to last.

“If we can capture this level of information and make it easy to access, everyone wins”

Accessibel's future plans involve partnering with local councils to provide them with technology and training, empowering ground-level staff like park rangers to collect and share accessibility content for the outdoors. Recognising that accessibility information benefits everyone, from families with strollers to those taking elderly relatives for walks, Accessibel’s future ambitions are a win-win situation for all.

Putting people first

When asked about advice for those venturing into tech solutions like Accessibel, Carl emphasises the importance of a human-centred approach, "It’s easy to get carried away with technology and forget that the technology is supporting a human need”. Accessibel's journey underscores this lesson: understanding end-users leads to a better product.