Access Wayfinder vs iRize

Access Wayfinder was a platform designed out of an essential need to inform people about accessibility before visiting nearby businesses or points of interest. We interviewed businesses for information regarding their accessibility as sometimes, in historic buildings, accommodations may not be ADA-compliant. We visited and called local businesses to find out: • Is the entrance accessible? (no stairs, adequate width) • Is the interior accommodating? (would it be hard for a wheelchair to move through aisles) • Is there accessible parking nearby? (designated handicap spots or just nearby parking lots) • Is there an accessible restroom? • Is there a place to sit down for people to rest? Through this app, we hope to ensure a positive experience for those with physical difficulties, and also inspire businesses to do as much as they can to improve their accessibility. Whether it's installing a ramp to the entrance, or just spacing out the tables so that there are clear paths to go through, these little things make the visiting experience so much smoother for everyone. We plan to continue to expand Access Wayfinder with guides for other cities. With a linked Google Form, the app allows users to rate the accessibility of places they visited to help everyone else! Founder and Developer Krishav Singla and Co-founder Ethan Lung

iRize helps people displaced by natural disasters find safe, temporary housing through a trusted community—quickly, securely, and for free. iRize is a housing resource for individuals displaced by weather-related disasters. When hurricanes, floods, fires, and tornadoes destroy homes across the United States, the iRize app connects those affected with safe, temporary housing offered by members of a trusted community. iRize helps people regain stability during difficult times and begin rebuilding their lives. The app allows hosts to offer housing at no cost and enables guests impacted by disasters to search for and request suitable housing near their area.