Help Centre App for People with Disabilities

A new smartphone application developed to provide a 24-hour support service for people with disabilities could offer a new platform for autonomy in their daily lives, according to its developers.

The application, known as Jeenee, is currently in its pilot stage and can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs, offering instant, around-the-clock assistance from a help centre simply by touching a button.

Community Connections Australia, Chief Executive Dr Robin Way said the support offered by the web-based application was wide-ranging and specialised.

“It could be as simple as providing help with knowing when the next bus arrives if they miss their scheduled service, or it could be at the other end of the spectrum and involve a real medical emergency,” Way said.

Way said the app had already seen non-verbal users talking to relatives for the first time through assistive speech applications and had empowered young adults with disabilities, allowing them to become more independent.

“While the rest of us sometimes take the benefit of technology for granted, this is something that has not been readily accessible for people with disabilities.

“We have the ability to literally transform lives.”

The program has taken almost three years to develop and has already seen positive results with more than 75 people testing it in its pilot stage.

For more information on how to get the app visit http://www.jeenee.org.au/portal/jeenee/home