ACCORDING to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, about 8.5 million people, making up 9% of the country’s population, have special needs. By introducing new functions to their app, Maxim is aiming to improve user experience for people with vision, hearing and mobility impairments. This is yet another important step the company is taking towards creating an inclusive service that caters to the needs of all of its users.
For users with visual impairments, the Maxim team has ensured that the app is fully compatible with voice technologies available on iOS and Android. After enabling the universal access function and activating special features in the device settings, the app will be able to read all the elements of the interface to its users. This allows clients with a limitation or loss of vision to not only place orders, but also track their rides via sound messages, which considerably facilitates navigation and user-app interaction.
Users with hearing and/or speech impairments are provided with the option to communicate with drivers and customer support specialists via the in-app text chat. This function lets them find out the details of their rides from the driver and leave comments without having to reveal their phone numbers. This provides for a comfortable and confidential experience. All the ride data, including the driver and vehicle info, are displayed on the screen, rendering voice calls unnecessary.
The app also contains special options for users with mobility limitations. Passengers have the opportunity to pinpoint the exact pick-up location of their ride, shortening the distance they have to cover to get to the vehicle. What’s more, drivers can also provide assistance: if needed, they will help fit wheelchairs, crutches and other mobility aids into the vehicle, as well as help the passenger get inside the car.
Maxim does not charge anything for using the functions meant for people with disabilities. Passengers with impairments of vision may travel with their guide dogs without having to pay any additional fees for riding with a pet. People with movement limitations transport their mobility aids with no extra luggage charges.
“People with special health needs face challenges every day. Maxim’s mission is to facilitate their daily routine. These measures allow us to make rides accessible and convenient for all categories of passengers,” says Morales Andres Jr Ibones, head of Maxim Bacolod.
