Urban Company, Asia’s leading marketplace for on-demand home services, has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by making its platform accessible for persons with visual impairments. Through the latest app update, visually impaired consumers can now easily book at-home services on the Urban Company app using touch gestures, thanks to assistive technologies integrated into smartphone operating systems.
Urban Company collaborated with Mission Accessibility, an NGO dedicated to eliminating barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, to ensure the update enhances accessibility and user experience for visually impaired individuals. Leveraging the expertise of the Mission Accessibility team, the app’s interface has been streamlined to simplify navigation and the service booking journey for users.
The update seamlessly integrates with ‘Voice Over’ on iOS and ‘TalkBack’ on Android, commonly used screen reading software by persons with visual impairments. Elements that were previously non-selectable, such as text-on-image, have been audibly described, ensuring comprehensive access and understanding. Users can now effortlessly book their preferred service, select specific time slots, and easily communicate with certified Urban Company professionals.
Raghav Chandra, Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer at Urban Company, expressed the company’s commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for all customers, including visually impaired individuals. He stated, “Our new app update will hopefully make it easy for them to book services on Urban Company and communicate seamlessly with their service professionals.”
Amar Jain, Co-Founder of Mission Accessibility, highlighted the significance of Urban Company’s action in making their application accessible to visually impaired individuals. He emphasized that accessibility is not just about convenience but about inclusion and independence. With this update, blind individuals can confidently engage with Urban Company’s offerings, knowing that their needs are not just considered but prioritized.
In India, over 15 million visually impaired people face challenges in accessing professional help to get services done. Urban Company’s latest app update is a significant step towards democratizing convenience for all. Persons with visual impairments will now have access to high-quality services from background-verified professionals and benefit from Urban Company’s transparent and standardized pricing.
Urban Company’s commitment to accessibility reflects a broader movement towards creating a more inclusive digital marketplace. The company’s efforts are not only commendable but also set a precedent for other businesses to prioritize accessibility in their digital offerings, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
