Web site, apps, to be formatted for visually impaired

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. on Tuesday announced an initiative to make its online grocery shopping websites and mobile applications more accessible and usable for shoppers with disabilities.

Albertsons Cos. said it strives to substantially conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 Level AA as its accessibility standard.  The company said has made significant enhancements to its online shopping websites and mobile applications to improve accessibility.

The initiative is the the result of collaboration, known as a structured negotiation, between Albertsons Cos. and several customers who are visually impaired.

“Ensuring a great shopping experience for all customers is one of our highest priorities, which includes ongoing web and mobile app accessibility enhancements to provide access to customers of all abilities,” said Ramiya Iyer, group vice president, Information Technology, Albertsons Cos.

A number of Albertsons’ customers praised the announcement.

“As a long-time customer, I appreciate the company’s commitment to accessibility, said Darrell Hilliker, a Safeway shopper in Arizona. “Through the straightforward implementation of the objective Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, blind people like me will be empowered to reap the benefits of online grocery delivery.”

Judy Dixon, a Safeway shopper in Virginia, also responded positively.

“I congratulate Albertsons Cos. for recognizing the needs of all of its customers including customers like me who have visual impairments,” she said. “The changes announced today will make it easier for us to shop with convenience and efficiency.”