As we move towards SYNC25, we’re shining a light on members of our Valuable Directory – a global community of business-to-business disability inclusion experts and service providers helping our companies and partners to achieve their goals against our Synchronised Collective Actions.
WelcoMe:
Our latest spotlight is on WelcoMe. Their app helps disabled customers find and connect with accessible businesses and helps businesses with their implementation of top-to-bottom disability inclusion.
For disabled people across the globe, the feeling of exclusion while trying to shop because their accessibility needs weren’t considered is a significant barrier in daily life.
Many disabled people around the world face significant challenges in their daily lives when shopping, as stores often fail to accommodate their accessibility needs. This can lead to feelings of exclusion and frustration.
Gavin Neate, a long-time innovator in disability inclusion, recognised the gap between businesses and their disabled customers. In 2017, Gavin launched WelcoMe, a revolutionary software platform bridging the gap by creating a truly inclusive customer experience.
WelcoMe is changing the game to make sure every customer feels valued. They achieve this in several ways:
- WelcoMe helps businesses map out their entire customer journey.
This helps identify potential accessibility challenges, from entering the store to navigating the checkout, and beyond. With this insight, businesses can prioritise improvements and create a seamless experience for everyone. - WelcoMe allows customers to create personal accessibility profiles.
This lets customers clearly communicate their requirements, ensuring businesses and customer experience teams can be prepared for and cater to their accessibility needs. - WelcoMe provides clear, actionable resources on accessibility best practices.
This includes communication guidelines, suggestions for physical environment adjustments, and staff training materials, all aimed at a seamless and enjoyable customer experience for people with disabilities.
The positive impact of WelcoMe is undeniable. In March 2024, UK-based tech and appliance retailer, Curry’s, announced the launch of their partnership with WelcoMe. Following in the footsteps of other retail giants such as Levi’s and Westfield, the partnership signifies a major shift towards a more accessible shopping experience for disabled customers.
Ainsley Sykes, Head of Commercial initiatives, Retail Design, and Technology at Curry’s, had this to say about their partnership with WelcoMe.
We became aware that 60% of disabled customers could not find the information they wanted to about a product online, so giving disabled customers access to our stores to see, feel and try the product, and speak to our expert colleagues is even more important. The WelcoMe platform will really support us in our promise to Help Everyone Enjoy Amazing Technology.
