There are around 190,000 people with disabilities living in Armenia, but issues of accessibility and logistics largely remain outside mainstream media coverage or public awareness. Everybody wants to go to work, go to cinema and enjoy summer evenings in café with friends, but it’s not always easy for people with disabilities to get around, since some places have steps and stairs that hinder access to the buildings and public spaces. Nowadays, however, some cafes install wheelchair ramps in order make them accessible for all their clients. How can we learn which places are wheelchair accessible or for parents with prams and tourists with luggage?

From now on everyone who is interested can join the mapping of accessible places by registering on the matcheli.am website or downloading the Matcheli Vayrer mobile app.

How? Just take a photo of any wheelchair-friendly place you see, tag the location and describe why the place is accessible. This way you can help people in wheelchairs or using walking sticks, and even bikers or parents strolling with a pram, to learn about the accessible places without having to leave home.

If you are interested in testing the mobile app that was created with help of Kolba lab, you’re welcome to participate in our outdoors mapping: Mapathon of accessible places.

The event will take place on October 8th, at 11:00 on Aram street, where teams of volunteers will move in three directions and will meet at the finish line in Lovers’ Park, where we’ll evaluate the mapping and give awards.

Beginners and experienced mappers, people with disabilities, parents with prams, and anyone else who is interested are welcome to join! No knowledge of the local terrain or past mapping experience is necessary.

We’ll be happy to teach you principles of accessibility mapping and how to add accessible places on the matcheli.am map while enjoying tasty coffee in the beginning of the event. Let’s devote two hours of our Saturday time for making Yerevan more accessible city!

11:00: Introduction to Matcheli.am and practical information

11:40: Mapping in progress

13:00: Finish line, evaluation and prizes!

You can join the event here.