This article was written by Raven Santana on February 23 and published by NJ Spotlight News. 

For Stephen Daurio, figuring out where he can go in his wheelchair has gotten a little bit easier thanks to a new app called Access Wayfinder. The app, designed to inform people about accessibility to businesses in Westfield, was created by 17-year-old Krishav Singla and developed by 16-year-old Ethan Lung.

Singla said he was inspired by his grandparents who have difficulty getting up and down the stairs. He contacted the Westfield mayor for support to proceed with the app and the town immediately got on board, he said.

The app rates businesses on a scale of one to five stars and focuses on the entrance to a business, its interior and available parking. “The users if they notice something they can also put it in as well, so we have ratings from users as well as business owners,” Lung said.

The teens note they have a disclaimer on the app to remind people they’re not trying to punish or criticize any business but hope to encourage other businesses around Westfield to make their spaces more accessible. They said their next goal is to figure out how to expand the app to other towns.