planat FAQs
1. What is planat?
planat is an easy-to-use online ratings tool, that allows users to post and search reviews from a mobility, sight or hearing perspective on the accessibility of buildings and public spaces in communities around the world.
planat empowers people to make informed decisions on everyday activities such as where they eat, shop, work, and play. It is similar in concept to the consumer reviews commonly found on many travel websites, but with a focus on accessibility criteria.
planat is part of the Rick Hansen Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and quality of life for all people – including people with disabilities, the aging population and parents/caregivers using strollers.
2. Can the tool be used by people with mobility, sight or hearing impairments?
Users can submit and obtain reviews from a mobility, sight or hearing perspective on accessibility of buildings and public services in communities around the world.
3. How does planat work?
Users can rate a building or public space using a five point checklist and submit their review to the online database. An average overall user rating for each venue will be calculated based on the reviews submitted.
Venues can share their accessibility features online by participating in the Venue Accessibility Program. More information can be found in the Business Solutions area of the planat site.
4. How do I access planat?
To access planat, please visit planat.com
5. Which devices support planat?
At this time, reviews can be submitted and accessed through a desktop, laptop, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry Torch and devices using Android 2.2 or above on the Opera Mobile browser.
6. Why do I need to sign-up in order to make reviews?
Registering with planat helps to provide the best user experience.
7. How do I submit a review for a venue that is not identified in the consumer reviews database?
Click the “Review a Location” link then add venue name, venue type, select the venue location on the map and drop a pin at that location.
8. Will the public see my user profile?
Only your specified screen name is displayed for public view. All other information collected will not show up in your planat profile. You must give permission for the Rick Hansen Foundation to use your information in the manner specified. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
9. Can I make changes to my review after I’ve submitted it?
No – you can submit a new review or flag the existing review.
10. How do I find nearby restaurants with a three star accessibility rating?
Access planat.com from your Internet browser. If your mobile device has GPS capabilities, it will pick up your location and centre it on the map. Choose restaurants from the Venue Type drop-down menu. Then select your preferred review perspective (mobility, sight or hearing). Finally, select a Minimum Rating of three stars.
If you are using a desktop computer/laptop or you wish to locate venues away from your immediate vicinity, type your desired location into the Near box.
11. How do I submit a review?
Simply visit planat.com via your smartphone, laptop, desktop or tablet. Select your preferred review perspective (mobility, sight or hearing) from the review perspective drop-down menu. Find the venue you want to review using the search box (or add a new one if it doesn’t exist in the database yet) and rate it by using the five criteria listed.
You must register through planat.com or use your Facebook login ID to submit a review.
12. What does it mean to sign in with Facebook?
Many of our users will have profiles on Facebook. By signing into planat.com via Facebook, you are essentially connecting your planat and Facebook profiles, and you don’t need to enter a separate password to access planat.
13. When will my review be available to others?
Once a review is submitted, it will be published instantly. The moderation process is user-driven; if a user flags a post as inappropriate, the planat team will then review.
14. Can I add a photo to my review?
Photos can be uploaded throughout the review process.
15. What is the Venue Accessibility Program?
The Venue Accessibility Program – is a platform for venue owners and operators to proactively share detailed information highlighting accessibility features of their venues. The information is available through planat.com. Participating in the Venue Accessibility Program demonstrates a commitment to accessibility awareness and support of an inclusive society.
16. How was the criteria within planat developed?
The criteria used in planat is based on the following main standards: CSA-B44, Best Practices of Universal Design by the Human Rights Commission of Canada, as well as BC Building Code and Canadian National Building Code.
17. What can I do if I find that the information (e.g. address) of a place is not correct?
Please contact us via accessibility@rickhansen.com and let us know!
18. Where can I find more information about the Rick Hansen Foundation and planat?
Please visit the Rick Hansen Foundation website for more detailed information about the Foundation and its programs.