Ablebook: The new app for people with mobility challenges

An innovative app for people with disabilities was recently launched by Ablebook, a startup company which was promoted by Bank of Cyprus IDEA, aiming to provide vulnerable groups with equal opportunities.

The inauguration of this new and innovative application by Ablebook, a group that emerged from IDEA and aspires to be one of the first social enterprises to be established in Cyprus, took place on September 17, in the presence of House president Annita Dimitriou, Nicosia mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis, Energy Minister Natasa Pilidou, representatives of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) and the director of IDEA Angela Panagiotou.

Dimitriou described Ablebook as one of the first social enterprises in Cyprus.

“Ablebook aspires to become a driving force in filling identified gaps and to realise those logistical infrastructures, which will help Cyprus become more accessible to people with disabilities,” she said.

Pilidou said that Ablebook answers those who claim there is no innovation in Cyprus. “Ablebook has proven that innovation exists and as a country we ought to support such individuals and groups,” she said.

Nicosia mayor praised the agreement between the municipalities and Ablebook to map all parking spaces for the disabled.

The director of the IDEA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre, Angela Panagiotou, expressed her admiration for the founder of Ablebook, and congratulated his mental strength, intellect and determination.

“Andreas is definitive proof that people with mobility problems can achieve anything they set their mind on. All they need is for someone to give them the opportunity to shine. I do not deny that being vessels of the economy we seek the economic development of the island. But we ought to remain human,” she said.Addressing Andreas she said: “That was a lifelong lesson we got from you!”

AbleBook is registered as a non-profit organisation and is one of the innovative startups promoted by IDEA.

Since its inception, Ablebook, through its team and supporters, has aimed to create an online platform with applications that will improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and vulnerable groups, enabling them to participate and function in society, enjoy the same opportunities and to have equal access to social goods.

At the same time, through this platform, the public is constantly informed about the problems that they encounter. The promotion of innovative solutions also provides a means of reducing and solving these problems they encounter in their effort to integrate as equal members in society.

IDEA, the largest non-profit, integrated business support Innovation Centre in Cyprus since it was established in 2015, has contributed dynamically to the consolidation of the culture for the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The Bank of Cyprus corporate responsibility project has so far supported the creation of more than 70 business startups and led to the opening of more than 80 new jobs.