Navigating Accessibility: A Review of the Friendly Like Me App

This user-friendly app offers a way for people with different bodies to find events, restaurants, and destinations that work for them.

As a chronically ill individual, navigating the world can often feel like traversing a maze of uncertainty.

It’s not always easy to know ahead of time what to expect when you go out to a popular destination or how accessible a local restaurant is.

Luckily, there’s an app for that. Read on for my experience and honest review.

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What is the Friendly Like Me app?

The Friendly Like Me (FLM) app and Facebook group provide a platform for people with chronic illness and accessibility needs to discover local destinations and resources and review their experiences. The app features places to eat, drink, shop, travel, celebrate, and more.

According to the app website, FLM was crowd-sourced by people navigating life in non-average bodies as a way to connect individuals with businesses striving to prioritize fit and accessibility.

Features

Once logged in, the app prompts you to build a profile to help discover places that are friendly to individuals with disabilities, with a strong focus on accessibility.

The app then provides a “Like Me” score for each establishment, allowing you to see how well a place meets your specific access needs.

Other features include:

• an accessible event guide
• news updates on relevant topics and legislation
• articles covering accessibility in entertainment and opinion pieces

It also includes a variety of listicles to explore. The app’s modern and visually appealing aesthetic enhances the user experience.

Getting set up

One of the first things you notice when opening the app is the pleasant and colorful loading screen, setting a welcoming tone for your experience. The app asks for your location, which some users may find intrusive, but I appreciated the feature because it helps tailor the app’s recommendations to my area.

Signing up for an account is straightforward, but you also have the option to use the app as a guest. This offers flexibility for those who may prefer not to create an account.

My favorite part

One standout feature of the app is the ability to easily filter searches and sort by distance, overall friendliness, and best match.

You can search by amenities, including:

• chairs with no arms
• extra-wide MRI machines
• wheelchair ramps
• motorized scooters available
• voice-enabled and tactile experiences
• sign language and audio description
• comfortable seating

Additionally, business owners have the option to claim their business on the app, adding a layer of authenticity to the reviews and information provided. This makes it simple to find places that meet your specific needs.

I used the app to find a gluten-free bakery called the Gluten Free Goat to accommodate my celiac disease.

I also used it to look up if a dance class at fireWALL Dance had modified or adaptive options since I enjoy hip-hop dance classes and Zumba despite my rheumatoid arthritis. Good news — it did!

Room for improvement

While the app excels in many areas, there are some areas for improvement.

For example, I didn’t notice a specific section for discussing allergen-friendly or celiac-friendly dining. However, given the app’s wide range of features, it’s possible that I overlooked this section.

Takeaway

Overall, the Friendly Like Me app and Facebook group are valuable resources for people seeking support and information.

The user-friendly interface, focus on accessibility, and diverse range of content make it a valuable tool in the arsenal of those living with chronic illness.

If you’re looking to research accessible places, I would definitely recommend giving it a try.