Abstract

Project EAST: Mapping Accessibility
Track: Community Projects and Partnerships
Author(s): Isla Young

The Project EAST program rises to the top as a best practices model. Currently serving 600 students on four Islands, the mission of EAST is to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills, by engaging students in an educational environment steeped in emerging technologies and community based learning.

Project EAST students, Sheila Jorgenson and Kylie Schellenberg utilized GIS to answer the important question - "is Maui handicap accessible"? The students conducted research of local businesses, beaches, transportation, and restaurants to gather pertinent information. The inspiration for this community based project is Sheila's own mother who has been in a wheelchair her entire life.

GPS and GIS technologies were used to map the accessible areas for local and visiting Maui residents. In addition, the students will be working with local businesses to create more accessible sites.

Isla Young
MEDB/Women In Technology
1305 N. Holopono St.
Suite 1
Kihei , Hawaii 96753
United States
Phone: 808 250-2888
Fax: 808 879-0011
E-mail: isla@medb.org