How the holidays reveal gaps in design and opportunities to build a more inclusive world
TL;DR
During the holidays, crowded stores, busy public spaces, and ever-changing layouts can make navigation especially challenging for blind and low vision individuals. This season offers an important reminder that accessibility is not a seasonal feature. It is an everyday necessity. With thoughtful design, inclusive technology, and community awareness, we can create holiday environments that welcome everyone.
What is happening and why it matters
The holidays bring joy, celebration, noise, lights, and movement. For the blind and low vision community, they can also bring stress. Shopping centers often rearrange aisles, install new displays, and increase foot traffic. Seasonal markets and events add obstacles, distractions, and unpredictable layouts.
Many people do not realize how quickly these changes disrupt a familiar route or overwhelm someone relying on tactile, auditory, or memory-based navigation. In fact, recent research from low vision advocacy organizations confirms that holiday environments significantly heighten navigation challenges due to sensory overload and accessibility gaps.
Source: Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) survey on holiday shopping barriers
This time of year becomes a magnifier. It reveals what works and what does not in our public spaces. Most importantly, it shows that accessibility is not a decorative extra. It is an essential part of belonging.
What good accessibility looks like during the holidays
More businesses are starting to adopt accessible features that help all customers feel included. Some major retailers have begun offering accessible self-checkout options with tactile keypads or audio prompts to support blind and low vision users.
Source: National retail accessibility updates, 2024
Other improvements include:
- Clear walkways that remain free of seasonal clutter
- Visual and audio cues placed in consistent locations
- Staff trained in basic accessibility awareness
- Websites that are screen reader friendly for online shoppers
- Labels and signage that use high contrast and legible fonts
Accessibility is not complex. It is intentional.
How Hearsee technology supports independence this season
Hearsee’s smart cane and indoor navigation systems provide real time audio guidance to help users find entrances, restrooms, checkout counters, and event spaces. This support reduces stress and restores confidence, especially in unfamiliar or crowded holiday environments.
Our work is rooted in community feedback. Blind and low vision users tell us what feels overwhelming, what feels empowering, and what helps transform a chaotic environment into a safe and navigable one. The holidays continue to validate that independence is not just a convenience. It is dignity.
What you can do now to build a more inclusive season
You do not need to be a business owner to support accessibility. Most of the change begins with awareness.
Here are a few meaningful actions:
- If you manage a store or event, walk through your space while imagining you cannot rely on sight. Ask what would help.
- Encourage businesses to improve labeling, checkout accessibility, and organization during the holiday rush.
- Choose to shop at places that support inclusive design and give feedback when they fall short.
- Support friends, family members, and neighbors with blindness or low vision by asking how environments can support them.
Accessibility becomes culture when the community values it. The holidays are a perfect time to begin.
What is next
Hearsee Mobility will continue expanding navigation technology into public spaces, schools, and community buildings so that independence does not depend on the season. Our mission is to create environments where everyone feels welcome every day of the year.
Partner with Hearsee: Bring accessibility into your organization
Donate: Support projects that expand independence and opportunity
Stay connected: Learn more about inclusive tools and upcoming pilots
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