Travelling by car presents particular challenges for wheelchair users and people with disabilities or special needs, not least concern about being able to find a suitably equipped public loo when making a long journey. To help address the problem, Toyota has created a new Restroom Finder app.
The tool, to be launched on 21st May, works with Toyota T-Connect and Lexus G-Link in-car telematics systems in Japan, letting users search for special facilities available in motorway and main route service areas - including Toyota's own Welcab Stations.
Restroom Finder provides detailed information about individual facilities, and searches can be filtered to focus on specific user needs, including presence of handrails, care beds and baby-changing tables. Users can view the results that match their search parameters, then set the appropriate facility as a destination or route stop on their navigation system. At present, the app offers information for three prefectures in the Tokai region (Aichi, Gifu and Mie).
The app's development has been supervised by a (non-profit) organisation, the Iseshima Barrier Free Tour Center, which supports 'personal barrier-free' standards for people with special needs. It is functionality is being demonstrated next week by Toyota at Welfare 2015, an international welfare and health industry exhibition in Nagoya.
In addition, the app also provides data on convenience stores (1,837 locations). However, detailed data regarding convenience store restrooms is not available.
