Dave, I sent this article to a friend, and they were very
impressed. They asked me to ask you what is the accessible web site because
they want to get this for themselves.
From: Kimberly Starrett
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 7:12 AM
To: blind-philly-comp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-philly-comp] Re: Article from CoolBlindTech: grocer Makes Sure
its Digital Platforms Are Fully Accessible to Blind Consumers
I’ve been using peapod for sometime and the iOS app is quite accessible and
easy to use. Grocery delivery is quite honestly one of the best things to come
along in recent memory. I remember the days of having to get sighted assistance
at the grocery store and needing to limit myself to only buying what I could
carry while using my cane.
From: blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:blind-philly-comp-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David Goldfield
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2018 9:51 PM
To: blind-philly-comp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-philly-comp] Article from CoolBlindTech: grocer Makes Sure its
Digital Platforms Are Fully Accessible to Blind Consumers
grocer Makes Sure its Digital Platforms Are Fully Accessible to Blind Consumers
JUNE 4, 2018 11:11 AM
Peapod, the Chicago-based ecommerce grocer’s mobile app and website now comply
with regulations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), adopted into
law in 1990 to ensure equal opportunities for all people with disabilities, in
an effort to better serve customers with disabilities. The U.S. Department of
Justice confirmed on May 11 that the retailer has fulfilled its commitment to
making its consumer interfaces accessible to all consumers.
For assistance with the process, Peapod enlisted My Blind Spot, a company that
helps organizations integrate inclusive digital design into their culture,
processes and technical infrastructures.
“We were thrilled when Peapod came to us to assist with this project,” said
Albert J. Rizzi, founder and CEO of My Blind Spot, a New York-based
organization that promotes equality and accessibility for the blind and
visually impaired. “Many companies don’t take the time and effort to truly
understand the needs of all their consumers, and it was clear to us through
working with Peapod that they really care about each and every one of their
customers having the best experience possible, regardless of their abilities.”
During the process, the Ahold Delhaize USA subsidiary used blind accessibility
testers to improve the experience. Brian Fischler, a blind Peapod shopper who
also co-hosts That Blind Tech Show, lauded the changes, noting that the app is
now completely accessible via VoiceOver, Apple’s screen-reading software that
increases accessibility for blind and low-vision users, as well as those with
dyslexia.
“Some of my favorite features include VoiceOver announcing your updated cart
total, being able to easily add items you forgot to your upcoming order, and
the entire checkout experience,” he said.
The Peapod app is available on play store and is also accessible for
Android-device users through TalkBack, the operating system’s default blindness
assistant technology. For desktop applications, Mac users have access to
VoiceOver, while Windows users can take advantage of a variety of assistive
technologies, including JAWS, NVDA, Cobra and more, as well as assistive
utilities provided by the Windows operating system.
More than half of the online grocer’s orders come through a mobile device, said
Tim Franklin, VP of ecommerce development at Peapod, a fact that made it clear
to the e-grocer that it needed to start improving accessibility through its
app. Following that, it “completely recreated” its website and desktop shopping
experience.
“Our question is always ‘how do we make this easier for our current Peapod
shoppers and also for potential customers?’” Franklin noted, adding that “the
updates are geared to serve a diverse group of customers and hope to eliminate
any barriers they might face.”
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About Nelson Régo
Nelson Régo is the owner and founder of the Cool Blind Tech website since
November of 2012. Nelson launched the first show on March 14, 2013. He also
directs the website as a whole, hiring staff, originating new shows, and
approving all content.
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David Goldfield, Assistive Technology Specialist WWW.David-Goldfield.Com
