Scottish tech firm offers support to help disabled shoppers during coronavirus lockdown

A Scottish tech company is offering support to help disabled shoppers and people with underlying conditions during the coronavirus lockdown.

The Neatebox Welcome tech is already used in a variety of venues across the UK, ranging from banks and offices to galleries and hotels.

Physical distancing measures, queues, changing opening times and protected hours for key workers are just some of the vital new rules being employed by supermarkets to help protect both staff and customers from Covid-19.

However, for those with a visible or hidden disability, the new regulations can increase anxiety, cause confusion and, in some cases, pose a significant barrier to simply shopping for essentials.

Gavin Neate, who founded Neatebox in 2011 after ten years with the RAF and 18 years working with Guide Dogs UK, said: “Supermarkets have had to adapt rapidly to an evolving situation, creating innovative ways to minimise the risk of viral spread. However, for millions, the new rules are impossible to follow without more support.

“For individuals with autism, the rules can add an extra layer of anxiety. For someone who is blind, finding the end of the queue to enter the store is hugely difficult. Knowing where to stand on the 2 metre-spaced markers and when to move forward is impossible without help, while social distancing is reliant on other people being aware. Supermarkets have had to adapt quickly so there aren’t tactile markers or trained door staff able to effectively assist customers who require that level of additional support.

“Our technology, called Welcome, is designed to address inadequate customer support by alerting a venue to an individual’s visit in advance, outlining their specific requirements and, most importantly, providing staff with an overview of the customer’s condition and clear guidance on how to interact with that customer.

“75 per cent of disabled people have left a shop or deserted a business because of poor disability awareness or understanding. At present, the challenges are even greater for the 13 million disabled people living in the UK.”

Welcome is already used in a variety of venues across the UK, ranging from banks and offices to galleries and hotels.

Siobhan Meade, who is blind, said: “My experience as a blind shopper is entirely dependent on either the knowledge or common sense of the staff member I encounter. Some venues are amazing and they just get it while others ask how they can help but there’s a real problem with some shops not knowing and not caring to know how to help.

“I never feel as blind as I do when I stand somewhere I don’t know and can’t find staff help. Supermarkets create the biggest barrier to my independence. Sometimes we’ll be waiting for 30 minutes and often they seek to obtain the services of the youngest, newest and least able to communicate colleague and that was before the additional complexities of Covid-19. It’s so important that venues know that communications are central.

“Knowing that I could head out to shops and, after lockdown, restaurants without being made to feel incapable would be amazing and give me a sense of control about how I want to be assisted.”