Yelp Introduces New Features to Aid Individuals with Disabilities in Finding Accessible Locations

For the 42.5 million Americans living with disabilities, finding businesses that meet their unique accessibility requirements can be a daily obstacle. Recently, Yelp has observed a significant increase in searches for specific accommodations, with inquiries for "wheelchair accessible" rising by 40 percent between 2020 and 2023. 

Earlier this summer, Yelp expanded its offerings by adding eight new accessibility filters for users. Among these, four are focused on mobility: "Accessible parking near entrance," "ADA-compliant main entrance," "ADA-compliant restroom," and "No steps or stairs." The first three align with the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which stipulates that entrances must be at least 32 inches wide when a door is opened to 90 degrees. 

Two new features enhance hearing accessibility: "ASL proficient," which ensures at least one staff member fluent in American Sign Language is available during business hours, and "Closed captioning on TVs" for venues that display captions on at least one television.

For vision accessibility, two options focus on menus: "Braille menus available" and "QR code menus available," allowing guests to enlarge content on their devices or use assistive screen readers. 

In addition to the new searchable attributes, Yelp is aiding those with visual impairments by providing AI-generated alternative text for images and enhancing color contrast to improve visibility for individuals with color blindness or low vision. It has also refined its experience for adaptive screen readers. 

"We’re thrilled to introduce these new accessibility features, enabling businesses to clearly showcase their inclusive practices, making it easier for everyone to find the right place for their needs," said Akhil Kuduvalli Ramesh, the company’s senior vice president of product, in a statement to Dinogo. "For those who rely on screen readers, we hope our recent updates enhance the process of discovering great local businesses even further." 

The company collaborated with Disability:IN, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Open to All, and The Arc to create these new features, while also providing businesses with an Accessibility Resource Hub to improve accessibility for all customers. 

"Enhancing accessibility on Yelp and beyond simplifies everyday life for everyone, and we are committed to our ongoing efforts to foster a more accessible and inclusive environment for all," Ramesh added.