In our increasingly digital world, the convenience of doorstep delivery has become an integral part of daily life for many. Apps like \Swiggy\, \Zomato\, \Zepto\, and \Blinkit\ have revolutionized how we access food and groceries, offering quick and efficient services. However, beneath this veneer of convenience lies a significant issue that affects a substantial portion of our society: the inaccessibility of these very applications for persons with disabilities, particularly those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers.
This challenge became acutely apparent during the recent pandemic. When movement was restricted and staying indoors was crucial for safety, these delivery applications became lifelines. Yet, for individuals with sight impairment, the inability to independently order essential items like food and medicines turned a convenient service into a source of immense anxiety and helplessness. It's not just food delivery; critical medicine delivery applications such as \Netmeds\, \PharmEasy\, \1mg\, \Apollo 24|7\, and \MedPlus Mart\ also fall short in providing a truly inclusive experience. What good are these services if they fail to cater to the most vulnerable communities?
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I experienced this firsthand when my wife was infected by the COVID virus, and I became her sole caretaker. With my sight impairment, the fear of stepping out and the utter helplessness of not being able to order food or medicines through any of these apps was overwhelming. It was a stark reminder of how quickly seemingly simple tasks can become insurmountable barriers when technology isn't designed with everyone in mind. Fortunately, I am blessed with incredibly helpful neighbors who not only ensured I received everything I needed but also went out of their way to regularly check on my wife's health. This experience made me deeply appreciate their kindness, but it also underscored a critical societal gap. I am also living with elderly, aging parents, and the thought of having to rely solely on my neighbors again if anything were to happen to them is a constant concern.
Disability advocates have been tirelessly working to urge these businesses to prioritize accessibility. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 in India mandates inclusive practices, yet many of these digital platforms, developed by Indian startups, still lack the fundamental features necessary for screen reader compatibility. It is imperative that these companies, which have gained immense success by leveraging technology, take concrete steps to make their applications truly inclusive. Accessibility should not be an afterthought but a core principle of their design and development, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially when it comes to accessing essential services.
What are your thoughts on this? Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges with inaccessible online services? Share your opinions in the comments below.
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disclosure statement: All posts on THE SOMEBODY, NOBODY, ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY BLOG! originate from the unique ideas and pure thoughts of our authors. While Gemini AI assists with content editing and writing to enhance readability, the core insights and opinions remain exclusively those of the author(s). Our intention is to foster healthy discussions on the topics shared, inviting robust engagement from our readers.
So many apps are unusable. It’s tough.
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