A mobile app proposal for the safe movement of young people with disabilities through the urban environment

Authors

Araceli Sanchez-Raya Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6264-3456
Fátima Cuadrado Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1799-8236
Jorge Corpas Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6562-2324
Julia Vacas Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9836-3648
Francisco J. Sanmartín Professor in the Department of Research and Educational Psychology at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2870-8882

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51302/tce.2026.24383

Keywords:

disability, youth, accessibility, displacement, urban environment, barriers, mobile application

Abstract

Accessibility aims to ensure that all people can access spaces, information, and services on an equal basis. However, people with disabilities face multiple barriers that hinder their social inclusion, such as physical, communication, political, programmatic, health, and transportation obstacles, among others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15 % of the world's population has some form of disability, highlighting the importance of eliminating these barriers. This project aimed to map the most frequently used routes by people with disabilities in the city of Córdoba and improve their accessibility. For this research, the Cicerone mobile application was designed, allowing users to record the barriers they encounter on their daily commutes. This study employed a participatory methodology, involving people with disabilities in the design and testing of the application. Furthermore, collaboration between experts and users enabled the development of accessible routes based on artificial intelligence (AI). The project emphasizes the importance of technology and an interdisciplinary approach to improving accessibility and promoting the autonomy of people with disabilities.

Author Biographies

Araceli Sanchez-Raya, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain)

Directora del Centro de Atención Infantil Temprana de la Universidad de Córdoba. Investigadora en el Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba y en el Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba. Su investigación se centra en los problemas y en la neuropsicología del desarrollo.

Fátima Cuadrado, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain)

Colaboradora del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Investigadora en el Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba. Su investigación se centra en la psicología de la salud y la persuasión.

Jorge Corpas, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain)

Psicólogo general sanitario. Colaborador del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Investigador en el Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba. Su investigación se centra en tratamientos psicológicos eficaces y terapia breve.

Julia Vacas, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad de Córdoba (Spain)

Colaboradora del Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba. Investigadora en el Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba. Su investigación se centra en trastornos del desarrollo y psicología educativa.

Francisco J. Sanmartín, Professor in the Department of Research and Educational Psychology at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain)

Psicólogo general sanitario. Colaborador en el Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba (España). Investigador en el Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba. Su investigación se centra en las adicciones conductuales.

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