Cashless businesses exclude disabled people, say families

There is a rise in cashless businesses in the post-pandemic era that has been very convenient for many customers but for some, it has created new obstacles.

According to a petition signed by over 1,200 people, vulnerable adults are struggling to pay for basic necessities as many businesses continue to stick to a cashless model. The petition urges the Welsh government to ensure that people with learning disabilities have access to cash payment options.

Janet has a learning disabled son Sion, and she told of her experience regarding problems related with needing currency. For example, Sion was “broken” when he couldn’t buy his mother lunch with cash. “You can’t keep track of what you’re spending so easily if it’s on the card,” Janet said explaining how greatly her child was affected.

The movement towards electronic payments has been on the rise for years but during Covid-19 this trend exploded as companies aimed at lowering chances of contracting virus. Consequently, this made more venues become non-cash or minimise handling money thereby making it hard for those who need money in hand in order to acquire goods and services.

This highlights how urgently business needs to think about customers with disabilities before they make choices. While there is nothing inherently wrong with switching from paper-based transactions to digital ones, firms should be more inclusive by thinking about diverse needs of all their clients.

Many countries have recognised the impact of cashless businesses on people with disabilities and have taken measures to ensure accessibility. For example, in the UK, the government passed the Accessible Information Standard which requires businesses provide accessible formats of information to people with disabilities including payment options.

Other enterprises should take similar steps so that all customers can use their services irrespective of their preferred means of payment. Moving away from using physical money should never come at any expense, especially inclusivity and accessibility for disabled population while exiting Covid-19 lockdowns will need us starting designing a truly comprehensive society.