The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), along with Telstra, has today announced the winners of the second Apps For All Challenge at the 2015 ACCAN National Conference in Sydney. Launched last year, the Apps For All Challenge is Australia’s only competition that awards the most accessible smartphone and tablet apps.
The Challenge awards apps in four categories. Winners were given a cash prize from Telstra and will receive promotion through Telstra’s social media channels.
The winners are:
1. Most accessible mainstream app
RentRight – Consumer Affairs Victoria
RentRight is a free smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android users. It has information and tools to help landlords in Victoria manage their properties, and renters manage their tenancies.
2. Most innovative app designed for people with disability or older Australians
NRS app – National Relay Service
The NRS app gives National Relay Service users mobile access to a range of NRS services.
3. Most accessible children’s app
Thread – The Carly Ryan Foundation
Thread gives parents discreet contact with their children when they are not in a supervised environment while also teaching children about personal safety.
4. Most accessible game app
Rapitap – 22 Point
Rapitap is a short, fast-paced game testing response time with multi levels of difficulty.
“We’re really pleased to be able to run a competition that awards developers who have made sure their apps include all Australians,” said ACCAN CEO, Teresa Corbin. “Smartphones and tablets are a huge part of our everyday lives; no consumers should be left out of the digital revolution as the world becomes increasingly mobile.”
“’Apps for All’ means more Australians will be able to take advantage of the possibilities of the digital world,” said Executive Director, Telstra Country Wide, Andrew Coull, in presenting the awards. “This goes to the very heart of what Telstra stands for. We’re proud to be able to support these innovators to help close the digital divide.”
If apps aren’t accessible, then millions of Australians miss out on the benefits that these can bring. It is hoped that the Challenge will help to further spread the message that apps should be accessible to everyone, including consumers living with a disability and older Australians. ACCAN encourages all developers to design and build mobile applications with accessibility in mind.