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Dismantling disabling barriers one article at a time

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Assistive Technology News
Emma Purcell

Dating Apps Lagging Behind When It Comes To Accessibility

Red-heart-on-smartphone

New research has revealed that dating apps are falling short compared to other categories when it comes to accessibility, leaving those who require accessible features at risk of missing out on connections.

The research by Warbox Creative has looked in detail at the accessibility features of the top apps across popular categories in the UK, ranking them for their inclusivity. To get an average score for each category, the tech experts looked at the apps individually, rating them based on whether they had accessibility features such as text size adjustment, high contrast mode, screen reader compatibility, alt text, subtitles and keyboard navigation.

Ofcom’s 2023 Online Nation report showed more than one in 10 UK adults use online dating services including apps, however, with an average score of just 3.1, the dating app category came out as the least accessible out of all analysed.

The image is a table that lists various app categories and their accessibility features. Here's a detailed description of the table contents: ### Table Columns: 1. **App Category**: Lists the different types of apps. 2. **Average Accessibility Score (out of 10)**: Provides an average score indicating how accessible each category of apps is, with a higher score indicating better accessibility. 3. **Percentage of Apps with Alt Text**: Shows the percentage of apps in each category that include alternative text for images. 4. **Percentage of Apps with Keyboard Navigation**: Indicates the percentage of apps that support keyboard navigation, which is important for users who rely on keyboards instead of touchscreens or mice. 5. **Percentage of Apps with Text to Speech**: Represents the percentage of apps that have a text-to-speech feature, beneficial for visually impaired users. ### Data Summary: - **Social Networking**: - Accessibility Score: 6.8 - Alt Text: 80% - Keyboard Navigation: 60% - Text to Speech: 50% - **Shopping**: - Accessibility Score: 6.5 - Alt Text: 80% - Keyboard Navigation: 80% - Text to Speech: 10% - **Entertainment**: - Accessibility Score: 5.7 - Alt Text: 70% - Keyboard Navigation: 40% - Text to Speech: 20% - **Food & Drink**: - Accessibility Score: 5.3 - Alt Text: 40% - Keyboard Navigation: 90% - Text to Speech: 10% - **Education**: - Accessibility Score: 5.2 - Alt Text: 20% - Keyboard Navigation: 100% - Text to Speech: 30% - **Finance**: - Accessibility Score: 4.1 - Alt Text: 10% - Keyboard Navigation: 40% - Text to Speech: 30% - **Sports**: - Accessibility Score: 4.1 - Alt Text: 40% - Keyboard Navigation: 90% - Text to Speech: 10% - **Travel/Navigation**: - Accessibility Score: 3.6 - Alt Text: 30% - Keyboard Navigation: 20% - Text to Speech: 30% - **Health & Fitness**: - Accessibility Score: 3.6 - Alt Text: 10% - Keyboard Navigation: 60% - Text to Speech: 0% - **Dating**: - Accessibility Score: 3.1 - Alt Text: 30% - Keyboard Navigation: 50% - Text to Speech: 10% ### Key Observations: - **Social Networking** apps have the highest average accessibility score. - **Education** apps are the most likely to support keyboard navigation, with 100% coverage. - **Social Networking** and **Shopping** apps have the highest percentage of apps with alt text. - **Dating** apps have the lowest average accessibility score. This table provides a comparative view of how accessible different app categories are based on these three accessibility features.

 

The importance of accessible dating apps

The research shows that many of the most popular dating platforms lack basic adjustments like text resizing and voice control, which could present challenges for users with visual, auditory, and motor impairments. This disparity highlights the urgent need for developers to prioritise accessibility, ensuring a more inclusive digital environment for all users.

Commenting on the research, broadcaster, and inclusion and accessibility specialist, Dr Shani Dhanda, said:

“It’s shocking and unacceptable to see that dating apps are so far behind on accessibility. This blatant neglect reveals deep-rooted ableism – the misguided belief that disabled people aren’t interested in or capable of dating. These outdated stereotypes are damaging and contribute to inequality and discrimination.

“We need a radical overhaul in how accessibility is approached in app development. Dating apps shouldn’t just add accessibility features as an afterthought – they need to embed them from the start. Anything less is a failure to provide equitable opportunities for love and connection to everyone. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about standing up for basic human rights and demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity.”

James Preece, celebrity dating coach and relationship expert, says: “So many people struggle with accessibility on dating apps. My relationship coaching clients describe their feelings when they attempt to use inaccessible apps, like being at a party where they can’t see or understand anyone.

“Font sizes that can be changed are crucial to an accessible experience. It can help singles who have vision problems or even those who just like larger text. Accessibility can also be enhanced with screen reader features – for people who suffer from severe visual impairments, this is extremely beneficial. It keeps them from being excluded from the experience and enables them to comprehend and engage with the app in a meaningful way.

“It’s not just about compliance; these accessibility features are all about empathy. It’s about realising that everyone deserves the opportunity to interact and form meaningful relationships. Dating apps can make their platform more welcoming and inclusive for all users by adding accessibility features.”

Mark Fensom, director at Warbox, comments on the findings: “It’s crucial for brands to ensure that their apps are accessible for everyone and the first step is truly understanding the broad scope of accessibility needs; whether it’s visual, auditory, motor or cognitive, and how designs can be adapted to meet the needs of these users.

“It’s important to strike a balance between getting the right look and feel for your app, that truly conveys your brand and purpose, without overlooking accessibility requirements. To cater to those with accessibility needs effectively, brands should integrate accessible design principles from the get-go, ensuring that it is not merely an afterthought but a core component of the app’s design and functionality.”

Social media tops accessibility score

Social media icons

Coming out on top with an average accessibility score of 6.8 was the social networking category, closely followed by shopping apps with an average score of 6.5.

It’s reported that there are currently 56.2 million social media users in the UK and apps like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are some of the most popular across all categories. As such, social media companies are often in the public eye and can face scrutiny if they are not demonstrating inclusivity.

For more information and for the full research, visit warboxcreative.co.uk.

Have you had experience using disability dating sites or dating apps?

The image depicts a man and a woman sitting across from each other at a table, holding hands and each holding a cup of coffee or tea. They appear to be on a date, sharing a moment of connection and affection, as indicated by the hearts floating above them. The background is red, and there is text in white that reads, "Have you had experience using disability dating sites?"

 

Disability dating sites are becoming a more popular and accessible way for disabled people to find love, friendship and companionship.

With more people searching for inclusive dating services online, we would love to hear people’s experiences using disability dating sites. Whether it landed you everlasting love, marriage or even starting a family. Or a complete disaster with embarrassing and funny stories of weird and wonderful failed dates and strange virtual interactions, we would love to hear from you!

If you would like to get involved and share your experiences for this upcoming article, please contact our editor Emma Purcell.

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