Malatya Before and After the Earthquake: The Struggle for Accessibility
Before the earthquake, Malatya was a truly exemplary city in terms of accessibility. Government buildings, hospitals, the marketplace… All were environments I could easily reach from where I was. But things changed after the earthquake. Accessibility was not prioritized as the city was being rebuilt. We constantly voiced this issue, but we didn’t get much of a result. So, we had to create our own solution.
The WeWALK app and Smart Cane came into play here. Even though I had problems in many places, I started to trust myself more because I had this technology in my hand. I said, “I will still explore this city.”
Meeting WeWALK: “This cane is now a part of me”
When I first used the WeWALK Smart Cane 1, I felt like I was touching technology, but it was heavy and had some shortcomings. With the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, these problems were eliminated. The cane became lighter, the button layout became more intuitive, and the speaker and microphone were brought to a better level.
I sometimes use the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 like a regular cane. I even carry it with me when the battery is dead; it doesn’t cause any problems. Sometimes I even say, “This is an inseparable part of me.”
There was a problem with navigation and calibration, and that was also fixed. I can’t experience its full performance because the location data in Malatya is incomplete, but it has a potential that is not inferior to other cities.
Public Transportation Feature: “This works even better than our system!”
I was surprised when I first tried WeWALK’s public transportation feature. The voice system on the trolleybuses and buses here doesn’t work, but WeWALK has set up its own system.
One day on the trolleybus, the driver told me:
“This works even better than our system.”
It announces the stops with pinpoint accuracy: 10 stops left, 9 stops left, 8 stops… It gives separate warnings as it approaches the last stops.
Significant Differences from WeWALK Smart Cane 1 to Smart Cane 2
Some of the things that impressed me most about WeWALK Smart Cane 2 are:
- The handle of the cane is similar to the grip of a white cane
- The more intuitive arrangement of the buttons
- The obstacle detection sensor works like a radar
- The 360-degree rotating tip reduces getting stuck on obstacles
- The higher quality of the speaker and microphone
For Apple users, WeWALK’s compatibility really makes a difference. When I switched from Android to Apple, I said, “Okay, this is it.”
Independent Movement: “The Cane is My Freedom”
For me, the cane is not just a tool; it is my closest companion, a symbol of my independence. I don’t leave it behind, because it is the power that allows me to step into the world with confidence.
I understood this better after an incident I experienced. One day, I hit a misplaced sign hard and ended up in the hospital. But that didn’t set me back. I said, “I will develop this skill.” Because making mistakes is part of development.
Today:
- I go to the mall by myself
- I cross pedestrian crossings without traffic lights safely
- I am not afraid to ask questions
- I move forward, maintaining my own independence, without misusing people’s offers of help
A friend of mine always used his cane by tapping it on the ground. I told him:
“With the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, you don’t need to do that. You can also walk comfortably by sliding the cane.”
Thanks to the 360-degree rotating tip, I can move forward without losing my direction. For me, freedom is also about finding your own way.
My Advice to Families: Please Give Your Children a Chance
There are still many of our friends who are afraid to use a cane. Sometimes, the approach of their families is as effective as their own fears.
Don’t approach children with the attitude of “Oh, they’ll bump into something; oh, they’ll fall.” Let them fall. Let them bump into things. Let them learn. Sighted people fall too.
When you have an opportunity like WeWALK, don’t confine your children to the house. Go to the beach, go to the market, send them to the grocery store. Let them discover their own independence.
I see friends at the university who still go to school with their mothers and fathers. I don’t think that’s right. Every person who learns to take care of themselves can achieve things. My life is the clearest example of this.
I would like to thank the WeWALK team very much. There is a lot of effort involved. There have been very good developments, especially in public transportation and navigation features.
It would be great if things like adjusting the speed of the speaker inside the cane, increasing the durability of the sensor, and improving the water-dust protection. Bluetooth stability is also important. But its current state is at a level that makes you say, “Well done.”
WeWALK has made my life easier and increased my self-confidence. I am continuing on my way with this cane.
