Living with a disability too often means giving up on your plans. “We wanted to organize an event with the whole family but a member with a disability gave up due to the difficulties encountered with transport, accommodation and material organization”, explains Guillaume Boulaton, founder of Toolib.
To help those affected escape the safe comfort bubble that they create at home, he imagines a solution that would share the existing adapted park. A solidarity-based social utility company, Toolib was created in 2018 around the four pillars of autonomy: housing, transport, essential equipment and associated services such as those of a caregiver.
Matching demand and supply
“We have an algorithm that understands the need on the one hand and analyzes each piece of data from demand but also from supply to calculate a degree of autonomy.” More than people with disabilities, Toolib is aimed at those who experience a loss of autonomy, whether temporary or lasting. “20% of the world's population is affected by loss of autonomy”, continues Guillaume Boulaton.
An occupational therapist participates in the analysis of the offer to characterize the solution according to needs. After launching a first version focused exclusively on housing, Toolib is enriching its solution in May 2023 by adding the notions of equipment, leisure, sport and medical comfort. “We are developing the transport part with the association of paralyzed people in France.” In 2025, services will complete the offer.
Accessible Olympics
The organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France will attract a large audience, which will include people losing their autonomy and looking for suitable housing. Currently, Toolib lists more than 1,000 homes in France and has more than 5,000 users. “Some people can finally travel thanks to us!” rejoices Guillaume Boulaton.
With the major sporting event, Toolib is developing a new product: Toolib Partner. “Several groups such as Accor or Club Med have expressed interest in us associating our algorithm with their site in order to save the person all the time-consuming steps to find and reserve a suitable hotel, particularly for the Olympics.”
The start-up has already started working with the Accor group by taking measurements in Pullman hotels and implementing the software. “We are still in the testing phase before further mass deployment.” For hoteliers, it is about opening up to a new clientele by offering adaptable rooms using small equipment such as a shower seat or suction support bars. Thanks to their involvement, the manager hopes to list around 5,000 accommodations within a two-hour train radius around Paris.
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