Para-athlete's app shows users what it's like to have a disability

A former elite para-athlete has launched an app to help users see the reality of living with disabilities.

The app gives the user the chance to experience different disabilities, from visual impairments to mobility issues. It also teaches sign language.

It was designed and created by Lancashire-based start up Ability Digital.

Company director and retired GB para- athlete Claire Buckle said she hopes it will help people develop empathy.

Born with cerebral palsy, Ms Buckle said she was bullied at school, but went on to represent Great Britain at discus and shot put.

Ms Buckle visited Farington Moss Primary School in Leyland to launch the app, named Xplore DisAbility.

"I hope they can develop knowledge, and more importantly empathy," she said.

"Every disabled person has a place in society and a role to fill."

Ms Buckle said the app was inspired by her nephew, who was curious about the reality of being disabled.

"My nephew had been learning about all the different people that may live in his community, including those with a disability," she said.

"Wanting to know more, he asked me the impossible question of 'what is it really like to be disabled'.

"I realised that it was very difficult to explain and that others may want to ask the same question. I thought, 'there must be a way for people to experience this'.

"Seeing my nephew immersed in gaming technology gave me the idea to turn to technology."

The app covers eight different types of visual impairments. The user selects the impairment and holds the device up so they can then see through their phone viewer the difference having that disability would make to their vision.

One pupil used the app to see how a book would look to someone with a visual impairment.

"The book looked bigger than it actually was, and I couldn't see any of the words," she said.

"It felt like it wasn't real, and now I feel for people who are partially blind."

There is also a mobility section on the app, which allows users to explore up to 10 elements of everyday life for someone with a physical impairment.

The children were put through their paces, learning to carry a tray and tie shoe laces with just one hand.

Other pupils were tasked with navigating the school in wheelchairs.

"It's really good that people can have a go and see what it's like for other people," they said.

"I think it's good that Claire made the app so then other people can see what it's like to be here.

"If I see someone in a wheelchair and they're stuck on something, I'll ask if they need any help."

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