Mèlange Accessibility for All Magazine October 2023 | Page 31

the ongoing pandemic , virtual dating is popular among the community , many of whom are high risk .
We are always very receptive to feedback because we want people to want to use Dateability . Although I am disabled , I do not represent everyone in my community and there are so many things I ’ ve learned along the way . We appreciate suggestions for ways we can enhance our users ’ experiences .
Accessibility is crucial for people with disabilities . What steps have you taken to ensure that your app is accessible to all users , including those with visual , hearing , or mobility impairments ?
Accessibility is at the foundation of Dateability . While there is always room for improvement , we continuously make accessibility a top priority . For example , launching with a web app version in addition to mobile apps was important for those who only use desktops or laptops . Desktops are often more screen reader compliant and can be helpful for those with mobility impairments .
When developing our profile verification process , we worked hard on making the poses accessible , so we included ones with only facial expressions
and single hand movements . We also provide an alternative verification method in the event none of the options given are accessible .
Inclusivity is key in a dating app for this demographic . Will you say that your app is a diverse and welcoming community for users of all backgrounds and disabilities ?
Our user base is so diverse ! While the majority of our users are millennials , we really do have people of all ages . We have heard from a fair number of our older users that this is the first dating app they ’ ve ever signed up for , which is such an honor . We also have a fairly even split between male and female , which is atypical of dating apps . Through the Dateability Deets data , the most common selections are physical disability and chronic illness . Furthermore , to be completely inclusive , we allow non-disabled people to join Dateability . There are many people who don ’ t stigmatize disability and / or have experience with it and we welcome those people on our platform .
Read the rest of Jacqueline ' s interview here .
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