# Virtual Accessibility Online shopping is being used as a tool to enhance accessibility. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Aug 30, 2021 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-accessibility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Accessibility trend? **Virtual Accessibility:** People with various disabilities may have difficulties shopping in traditional retail or virtual shopping settings, and some brands are aiming to change this with app-based features and services that prioritize accessibility. These include everything from voice-controlled shopping experiences to platforms that connect seniors with people who will do their grocery shopping for them. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Accessibility trend Accessibility is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses as people with physical or mental disabilities and their allies fight for more inclusive products and services. As people become more vocal about their needs, brands are having to adapt rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to their business models. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 24, 2021 to Jun 11, 2022 - Published: Aug 30, 2021 - Patterns: [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Virtual Accessibility trend ### Accessibility Prioritization Brands are introducing app-based services prioritizing accessibility for people with disabilities, including voice-controlled shopping and grocery assistance, to meet diverse needs. ### Disruptive Charitable Business Model Charitable clothing brands such as Two Blind Brothers are successfully leveraging mystery box strategies, offering customers the chance to support philanthropic causes and obtain surprises from the brand. ### Text-Based Shopping Tools Personal shopping assistants such as Friday are using text messaging to offer ultra-fast and accelerated shopping experiences, empowering customers with more convenience and brand loyalty. ## What the Virtual Accessibility trend means for industry ### For Healthcare & Wellness Healthcare companies, hospitals, and assisted-living facilities can tap into proactive innovation opportunities focused on disabilities and aging, including accessibility technology and senior delivery initiatives. ### For Ecommerce & Retail Retail companies and online marketplaces can enhance their brand reputation by offering more inclusive, accessible, and innovative services, such as voice-controlled shopping and personal shopping assistants. ### For Nonprofit & Philanthropic Non-profit organizations and social impact ventures can introduce disruptive charitable business models similar to Two Blind Brothers, relying on surprise box merchandising and engaging customers with philanthropic causes. ## Workshop question How is your brand authentically prioritizing accessibility for employees and customers? ## Trend signals for Virtual Accessibility Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 55%, activity 32%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 55% - Activity: 32% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Virtual Accessibility trend 4 featured examples from May 24, 2021 to Jun 11, 2022. - [Text-to-Shop Retail Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friday-personal-shopping-assistant): The 'Friday' Personal Shopping Assistant Purchases Items with a Text (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can leverage text-based shopping services to offer a fast and convenient shopping experience that meets the changing needs of consumers. - [Senior Grocery Delivery Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-and-avanlee-care): Walmart and Avanlee Care Have Partnered on a New Initiative (Category: Business) Implication: The grocery industry can partner with healthcare companies to provide delivery services for seniors and improve the customer experience. - [Digital Device Accessibility Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-accessibility-features): New Apple Accessibility Features Enable Hands-Free Control (Category: Business) Implication: The Apple accessibility features offer opportunities for consumer electronics companies to improve the accessibility of their products. - [Charitable Clothing Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two-blind-brothers): Two Blind Brothers Funds Blindness Research with Mystery-Box Strategy (Category: Social Good) Implication: Companies in the apparel industry can differentiate themselves by incorporating a social or humanitarian message into their brand identity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)