[Barrier-free] Start by Recognizing Obstacles as Obstacles

On May 24th, “Channel PNU” interviewed Choi Jae-Young, the social cooperative “2U” director, in person. “2U,” which approaches the problem of mobility rights for the mobility handicapped in Busan through information visualization from a design perspective, made barrier maps of Pusan National University (PNU). The meaning of this association’s name is to provide freedom of movement to solve the mobility handicapped. This interview was assisted by Lee Keon-Ho (Dept. of Statistics, 17), who experienced an internship program there.

Q. Please give a brief introduction.

A. The “Freedom of Movement Map” we are making is a wheelchair navigation application that makes the movement of wheelchair users comfortable. After developing a customized optimal route algorithm by systematically collecting and managing the movement route and barrier data of wheelchair users, it provides a personalized route guidance service for wheelchair users. After entering the area and addressing barriers, taking a picture, checking the type in detail, and uploading it, the application displays and guides the user to the safe road accessible by wheelchairs.

Q. I’m curious about the background that asserted protecting the rights of those with special transportation needs. What was the decisive reason for establishing the company?

A. My mother-in-law had difficulty moving, so she had been using the "Duribal" taxi for the disabled. One day, she complained, "It is too difficult and inconvenient to take a taxi for the disabled." In fact, when we called for a taxi at 8 PM, we had to wait 8 hours until the car arrived at 4 AM the next day. Then I discovered that there was a severe problem with the right of mobility for those with special transportation needs, so I got into this business.

Q. The issue of mobility rights for the disabled has been raised for a long time. If so, is that issue gradually improving?

A. Many people are unfamiliar with the term "the mobility handicapped." The term does not mean only the disabled. The law stipulates that there are five groups of the mobility handicapped: pregnant women, accompanying infants, children, the elderly over 65, and the disabled. In other words, anyone can become mobility handicapped.

Compared to the past, transportation-related infrastructure and systems have been developed a lot, and it can be said that it is better now because many services are provided, but I think that it should be further advanced in order to be of practical help. In particular, the unrealistically long waiting time for "Duribal" will be able to be overcome with a "data-based ride sharing platform" that integrates the management of vehicles for the disabled in local welfare centers so that the nearest car can be dispatched when calling.

Q. What kind of efforts are being made by the "2U" to solve this issue?

A. Most transportation services for the mobility handicapped have been operated with a reservation system and manual dispatch system. When a call came in, it is written down on the notes and assigned a driver who had completed their work. This way cannot effectively manage the distance or destination of vehicle operation. To improve this point, we developed a "data-based ride sharing platform" that automatically accepts and dispatches services using cloud-based big data. The automatic dispatch system calculates the location and driving route of the user, and the vehicle matches the appropriate vehicle. This system can reduce user’s waiting time and utility time, and operating organizations can gain in efficiency.

In addition, we are operating the "Good Shuttle," a pilot project to support commuting to work for the severely disabled in Busan with SK Telecom. This project supports shuttle buses from home to work for people with disabilities who cannot use public transportation without assistance for safe commuting and efficient time management.

Q. What do you think about the mobility right for students on campus?

A. Regrettably, barriers such as slopes and steps exist due to the topographical characteristics of the campus. Still, I believe it will be improved if PNU students continue to work for a barrier-free environment. It was also impressive that students with disabilities were guaranteed the right to study with the help of the Support Center for Students with Disabilities of PNU.

Q. Which part should be improved first for a barrier-free environment?

A. Since the term barrier-free is unfamiliar, I think it is essential to understand the basic concept of this term. Most non-disabled people don't recognize barriers as barriers because there are few restrictions on their movement. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the barriers that restrict movement from the point of view of the disabled who have difficulty moving.

Q. I think you have met a lot of citizens with disabilities. Have you heard any stories from them?

A. The most memorable saying is, "The world that “2U” dreams of may come in at least 10 or 20 to 30 years. If I can live in that world for just one day, that day will be as precious as my whole life, and I know “2U” is having a hard time. But I hope you don't get tired, thinking it's not just your dream, but everyone's dream." Whenever I hear those words, I feel I have to work harder and not get tired because many people cheer us on.

Q. Lastly, is there anything you would like to say?

A. First, I would like to express my sincere thanks to PNU students for their interest in mobility rights for the disabled. Innovation that changes the world starts with the interests and questions of the members of our society. I hope that the interest in the right to mobility gradually accumulates and spreads beyond PNU to the whole of our community so that everyone can move freely in the world.

Reporter Kim Hyeon-Hee & Lee Chae-Hyeon

Translated by Seo Hae-Seong