MyPath’s vision is to provide users with customized paths between destinations. The paths are ideally customized by taking the user’s personal information into account. This allows the route provided to avoid certain barriers (i.e. fallen trees for users that may not be able to go over or around them), include specific facilities (i.e. curb cuts for wheelchair users), and avoid unsafe conditions (i.e. terrain that may be difficult for some users to physically navigate). MyPath hopes to crowdsource information to allow for a better algorithm and more real-time updates, allowing users more independence than they may have had in the past.

Goals

Performing highly interdisciplinary and integrative research. Expertise of MyPath Team Members include:

• Systems Development
• AI and Machine Learning
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Occupational Sciences
• Civil Engineering
• Accessibility and Usability

Aiming at sustainable change of community functioning by:

• Encouraging willing wheelchair users to participate in the community.
• Assisting wheelchair users in successful outing.
• Enabling local administrative communities in maintaining accessible routes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

The MyPath project aims to address the diversity and inclusion objective keeping up with Miami University’s broader diversity and inclusion efforts. Furthermore, the research area proposed here is covered under the United Nations Envision 2030, Goal 10 & 11 which strives to Reduce Inequalities and plans to include people with disabilities in every sphere of life by 2030.

UN Target Objectives:

• Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.”
• Target 11.2: “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, … with special attention to the needs of …, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.”
• Target 11.7: “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.