Shopping is more than just ticking items off a list—it’s about the joy of discovery, the thrill of finding something new, and the simple pleasure of being part of everyday life. For women with disabilities, however, what should be an effortless outing often turns into a journey of both resilience and delight.
Take a walk through a local market and you’ll see it. The colors, the chatter, the fragrance of fabrics and fresh crafts. Now picture a woman on a wheelchair pausing in front of a stall draped with bright silks, engaging with the shopkeepers as they proudly display their work. Or another woman trying on a playful woven hat at a handicraft shop, her smile lighting up the room. These moments capture the essence of accessible shopping—not just buying, but being included.
Local Markets: Colorful but Challenging
Markets are full of life, but also full of barriers. A single step at a shop’s entrance, uneven flooring, or narrow aisles can mean exclusion. For a wheelchair user, that step may as well be a wall. For someone on crutches, a crowded stall can become a maze.
And yet, the joy in the photos reminds us of what’s possible. With something as simple as a ramp or a wider passage, women with disabilities are no longer spectators—they’re participants, engaging fully in the rhythm of the marketplace.
Malls: Easier, but Not Always Inclusive
Malls promise modern convenience—elevators, wide walkways, and clean, accessible restrooms. But the reality isn’t always perfect. Heavy glass doors without automatic openers, trial rooms too small for a wheelchair, or counters set too high can turn an outing into a frustration.
True accessibility isn’t about just entering a mall—it’s about moving freely, touching fabrics, trying on clothes, eating local cuisines, and making choices independently. That’s where dignity lies.
The Joy of Window Shopping
Sometimes, shopping isn’t about buying at all—it’s about the experience. Trying on a quirky hat, running your hand over a textured scarf, or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Accessibility gives women with disabilities that same freedom to enjoy, laugh, and connect. In their smiles and conversations with shopkeepers, you see the power of inclusion.
The First and Last Mile: Reaching the Market
The journey starts long before the shopping begins. Without accessible transport, the best-designed shop still remains out of reach. Low-floor buses, step-free metro stations, adapted taxis, and dedicated parking aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. Because accessibility isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the whole journey.
Why It Matters
Accessible shopping is not charity—it’s equality. A family with small children (using a pram) find it equally convenient to use the ramp as a senior citizen with reduced mobility. It’s about choice, independence, and the joy of being part of community life. Every ramp built, every lowered counter, every accessible cab opens doors for women with disabilities to live fully and confidently.
Call to Action
To shop owners, designers, and city planners: accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s a right. Every barrier you remove creates an opportunity for inclusion.
To readers: next time you step into a market or mall, notice the ramps, the counters, the doors—and also notice what’s missing. Speak up, because inclusion benefits everyone.
#APNA #AccessibleShopping #DisabilityInclusion #WomenWithDisabilities #UniversalDesign #InclusiveMarkets
Author
Dr. Anjlee Agarwal
(An assisted wheelchair user and a travel buff)
Contact: anjleeonly@gmail.com
www.anjleeagarwal.co.in