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Tesco now on-line for visually impaired
Friday, July 05 2002
by Ciaran Buckley


Tesco Ireland has launched a Web site for the visually impaired, in a further
attempt to broaden the appeal of on-line shopping. 



The Web site was developed following
feedback from blind and partially sighted shoppers, who have also used the system
in its trial phase. 



A spokesperson for Tesco.ie told ElectricNews.net that the new Web site is a
simplified version of its standard Web site. It presents shopping information in
a list format and avoids the use of tables, which make it easier for adaptive
technologies to interpret the site for the visually impaired. 



Des Kenny, Chief Executive of The National Council for the Blind of Ireland, said
the accessible Web site was a welcome move. "Tesco are to be highly commended
as the first major retailer to bring this service to vision impaired people in
Ireland," Kenny said. "I hope the lead shown by Tesco will be followed by
other retail outlets." 



Tesco said that it has received good feedback from people who have tried the
site, saying it makes a real difference not needing someone to shop for them.



Although Tesco would not provide figures, it claims that its on-line shopping
service is increasing in popularity and that more than 75 percent of the Irish
population can now avail of Tesco.ie for their groceries. Tesco also advertises
personal finance products on its sites, although it does not sell personal
finance products across the Web. 



The Institute of Technology Carlow is currently conducting a survey on on-line
shopping through Infopoll.net. The survey asks
respondents to provide information on their demographic situation and buying
habits, particularly with regard to on-line shopping. The college plan to compile
the findings of the results and release a report in August.