Accessibility
Agentic commerce has the potential to dramatically improve shopping accessibility for people with disabilities. By removing visual interfaces, simplifying complex processes, and adapting to individual needs, AI agents can make commerce truly inclusive.
The Accessibility Imperative
Shopping barriers affect millions:
- 26% of US adults have some form of disability
- 12 million Americans have vision impairments
- 37.5 million have hearing difficulties
- 6.8 million have cognitive disabilities
- Millions more experience temporary or situational disabilities
Traditional e-commerce websites often fail accessibility standards. AI agents can provide an adaptive, personalized interface that works for everyone.
Visual Accessibility
Scenario: Blind User Shopping Experience
The Problem: Screen readers struggle with complex e-commerce sites full of images, dynamic content, and inconsistent navigation.
With ACP:
User: "I need to buy a new winter coat"
AI: "I'd be happy to help you find a winter coat. Let me ask
a few questions:
First, what size do you typically wear?"
User: "Large"
AI: "And what's your budget range?"
User: "Around 200 dollars"
AI: "One more—do you have a color preference, or should I
describe options?"
User: "I prefer dark colors. Navy or black."
AI: "Perfect. I found several excellent options in size large,
under 200 dollars, in dark colors. Let me describe the
top three:
First option: The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket in
black. This is a lightweight but very warm synthetic
insulated jacket. It packs down small if you need to
carry it. The texture is smooth quilted nylon. It has
two zippered hand pockets and one internal pocket.
Price is $199. It has 4.6 stars from over 2,000 reviews.
People say it's excellent for cold weather without being
bulky.
Second option: Columbia Powder Lite Hooded Jacket in
collegiate navy, which is a deep navy blue. This has
synthetic insulation rated to 20 degrees. The shell
is water-resistant. It has an attached hood you can
adjust. Price is $150. It has 4.4 stars. Reviewers
say it runs slightly large.
Third option: Carhartt Quilted Flannel-Lined Duck Jacket
in black. This is a heavier workwear-style coat. The
outer shell is sturdy cotton duck canvas with a soft
flannel lining. It has a corduroy collar. Good for very
cold temperatures. Price is $99. It has 4.7 stars.
People say it lasts for years.
Would you like more details about any of these? I can
describe the fit, materials, or read some reviews."
User: "Tell me more about the North Face. Is it good for
someone who gets cold easily?"
AI: "The North Face Thermoball is excellent for people who
get cold easily. Here's why:
The insulation uses small clusters that trap heat even
when wet, unlike down which loses warmth if damp. The
rating is for cold weather down to about 20 degrees.
The fit is what they call 'active fit'—snug enough to
retain heat but not tight. You can layer underneath.
Reviews specifically mention:
'Finally a jacket that keeps me warm without looking
like a marshmallow.'
'I'm always cold and this jacket is perfect.'
'Worn it in 15-degree weather and stayed comfortable.'
The only critique is that it's not ideal for heavy rain—
it's water-resistant but not waterproof.
Would this work for your climate? Or should I find
something warmer or more waterproof?"
User: "That sounds perfect. Can I order it?"
AI: "Absolutely. The North Face Thermoball Eco Jacket in
black, size large. The price is $199.
I'll ship it to your address on file, which ends in
apartment 4B on Maple Street. Is that correct?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "For payment, I'll use your Visa ending in 4242.
Is that okay?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Your order is placed. The North Face Thermoball Eco
Jacket, size large, black. Total was $199 plus $16.92
tax, which is $215.92.
It ships tomorrow and arrives by Friday.
I've sent a confirmation email with tracking. Would
you like me to notify you when it ships and when it's
out for delivery?"
User: "Yes please"
AI: "Done. I'll let you know when it ships and again on
delivery day. Is there anything else you need?"Scenario: Low Vision User
The Problem: Small text, low contrast, and complex layouts make shopping difficult for users with low vision.
With ACP (via voice or large-text chat interface):
User: "I need reading glasses"
AI: "I can help you find reading glasses.
Do you know your reading strength? It's usually a
number like +1.0, +1.5, +2.0, or higher."
User: "I think +2.0"
AI: "Got it, +2.0 strength.
What style do you prefer:
• Full frame—lenses surrounded by frame
• Half frame—frame only on top
• Rimless—no frame around lenses
Or would you like me to describe each style more?"
User: "Full frame please"
AI: "And for color, any preference? Popular options are:
• Black
• Tortoise, which is brown with black patterns
• Clear or translucent
• Blue or other colors"
User: "Tortoise"
AI: "Here are full-frame tortoise reading glasses at +2.0:
Best Value:
Peepers PowerSpecs, $25
Includes a case. Spring hinges for comfort.
4.5 stars, 3,000 reviews.
Premium Pick:
Warby Parker Chamberlain, $95
Higher quality frames and lenses.
Blue light filtering included.
4.7 stars.
Multi-Pack:
Gamma Ray 4-pack, $20 for all four
Different colors included.
Great for keeping pairs in different rooms.
4.3 stars, 15,000 reviews.
Which interests you?"
User: "The multi-pack sounds practical"
AI: "The Gamma Ray 4-pack is $20 total for four pairs of
reading glasses at +2.0 strength.
You get:
• One tortoise
• One black
• One gray
• One blue
Each pair comes with a soft carrying pouch.
Free shipping, arrives in 3 days.
Should I order this?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Ordered! Four pairs of reading glasses, +2.0, arriving
in 3 days. Total was $20 plus $1.70 tax.
Tip: Keep one pair by your bed, one by your reading
chair, one in your bag, and one as backup. That's
what the reviews recommend!"Cognitive Accessibility
Scenario: User with Cognitive Disability
The Problem: Complex choices, time pressure, and confusing interfaces create barriers for users with cognitive disabilities.
With ACP:
User: "I need new sneakers"
AI: "Sure! I can help you get new sneakers.
What color do you want?"
User: "White"
AI: "White sneakers, got it!
What size are your feet?"
User: "10"
AI: "Size 10, perfect.
How much do you want to spend?
• Under $50
• $50 to $100
• More than $100"
User: "Under 50"
AI: "I found good white sneakers, size 10, under $50.
The best one is the Nike Court Vision Low.
It costs $45.
It's comfortable for walking.
4.6 stars—people like them a lot.
Here's what it looks like: [simple image]
Do you want these sneakers?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Great choice!
Nike sneakers, white, size 10, $45.
I'll send them to your home.
They come in about 5 days.
Is that okay?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Done! Your sneakers are ordered.
They arrive in 5 days.
I'll remind you when they come.
All done! 👟"Scenario: Simplified Decision Support
The Problem: Too many options can be overwhelming and lead to decision paralysis.
With ACP:
User: "I need a birthday present for my friend"
AI: "I can help! Let's keep it simple.
Is your friend a man or woman?"
User: "Woman"
AI: "How much do you want to spend?"
User: "30 dollars"
AI: "What does she like? Pick one:
• Beauty and skincare
• Books
• Home stuff like candles
• Something else"
User: "Candles"
AI: "I have a perfect gift idea:
Yankee Candle Gift Set
Three small candles in pretty scents
Comes in a gift box
$28
Ready to wrap and give!
Want me to order this?"
User: "What scents?"
AI: "The three scents are:
• Vanilla—sweet and cozy
• Lavender—calm and relaxing
• Fresh linen—clean smell
Good scents that most people like.
Want this gift?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Ordering now!
Yankee Candle Gift Set, $28.
Already in a pretty box.
Arrives Thursday.
Your friend will love it! 🎁"Motor Accessibility
Scenario: User with Limited Mobility
The Problem: Precise clicking, scrolling, and form-filling are difficult for users with motor impairments.
With ACP (via voice or simplified input):
User: "Order my medications"
AI: "I see you have 2 prescriptions ready at CVS:
1. Gabapentin—$15
2. Baclofen—$12
Total is $27.
Should I order both for pickup?"
User: "Delivery instead"
AI: "I'll switch to delivery.
Same-day delivery is available for $5.
Or free delivery arrives in 2 days.
Which do you prefer?"
User: "Free"
AI: "Free delivery selected. Arrives Wednesday.
Shipping to your home address.
Confirm order?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Ordered! Medications arrive Wednesday.
I'll let you know when they ship."Scenario: Switch or Eye-Tracking User
The Problem: Users who navigate with switches or eye-tracking need minimal, predictable interactions.
With ACP (optimized for switch scanning):
[Simplified yes/no navigation]
AI: "Ready to shop?"
User: [Yes]
AI: "Want to reorder something?"
User: [Yes]
AI: "Paper towels?"
User: [No]
AI: "Dish soap?"
User: [Yes]
AI: "Dawn dish soap, $4.49?"
User: [Yes]
AI: "Quantity: 1?"
User: [Yes]
AI: "Order placed. Arrives Thursday."Hearing Accessibility
Scenario: Deaf User Shopping
The Problem: Phone-based customer service and video content without captions exclude deaf users.
With ACP (text-based interface):
User: "I ordered a TV but it arrived broken. I need to return it."
AI: "I'm sorry about the broken TV. I'll help you get this
resolved right now.
I found your order from December 10:
Samsung 55\" 4K TV, $449
Is this the one?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "I'm starting a return for you.
For a broken item, you get:
• Full refund: $449
• Free return shipping
• No need to repack it perfectly
How do you want to return it?
1. UPS pickup from your home (free)
They bring the box and label
2. Drop off at UPS store
I'll email you the label
Which works better?"
User: "Pickup please. When?"
AI: "I can schedule UPS pickup for:
• Tomorrow (Thursday), 9 AM - 5 PM
• Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
• Saturday, 9 AM - 12 PM
They'll bring packaging materials.
You just need to have the TV accessible.
Which day?"
User: "Tomorrow"
AI: "Pickup scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday.
Time window: 9 AM to 5 PM
Address: [Your address]
Here's what happens:
1. UPS arrives with a box
2. They pack the TV
3. They give you a receipt
4. Refund processes in 3-5 days
I'll text you when the refund is processed.
Anything else I can help with?"
User: "Can I get a replacement TV instead of refund?"
AI: "Yes! I can send a replacement instead.
Same TV: Samsung 55\" 4K TV
Options:
A) Ship replacement now, refund after we receive broken one
New TV arrives Saturday
B) Wait for return, then ship replacement
New TV arrives in about 10 days
Option A is faster. Which do you prefer?"
User: "A, send it now"
AI: "Replacement TV ordered!
Summary:
• Replacement Samsung 55\" arrives Saturday
• UPS picks up broken TV tomorrow
• No additional charge
You'll get email updates for both the delivery
and the return.
Is there anything else?"Elderly Users
Scenario: Senior Citizen Shopping
The Problem: Seniors may struggle with complex interfaces, small text, and unfamiliar technology.
With ACP:
User: "Hello, I need to order my groceries"
AI: "Hello! I'm happy to help with your groceries.
Would you like to:
1. Order your usual items from last time
2. Tell me what you need
3. Look at this week's sales"
User: "What did I order last time?"
AI: "Last week you ordered:
• Milk, 2% gallon - $4.29
• Bread, whole wheat - $3.49
• Eggs, large dozen - $4.99
• Bananas, bunch - $1.50
• Chicken breast, 1 pound - $6.99
• Canned soup, chicken noodle - $2.29
Total was $23.55 from Safeway.
Would you like the same items?"
User: "Yes but I don't need soup"
AI: "I'll remove the soup. Here's your order:
• Milk, 2% gallon - $4.29
• Bread, whole wheat - $3.49
• Eggs, large dozen - $4.99
• Bananas - $1.50
• Chicken breast, 1 pound - $6.99
New total: $21.26
Same delivery day, Thursday?
Same time, between 10 and 12?"
User: "Yes, that's fine"
AI: "Your grocery order is placed!
5 items, $21.26
Delivered Thursday between 10 and 12.
The delivery person will ring your doorbell.
Is there anything else you need today?"
User: "That's all, thank you"
AI: "You're welcome! Have a nice day.
I'll remind you Wednesday evening about your
delivery on Thursday."Temporary and Situational Disabilities
Scenario: Broken Arm
With ACP (voice shopping):
User: "I broke my arm and I need some things to help me"
AI: "I'm sorry to hear that. I can help you get supplies.
Common helpful items for a broken arm:
• Arm sling, if you don't have one
• Button hook to help with buttons
• Easy-open containers for food
• Slip-on shoes
• Long-handled tools
What would be most helpful?"
User: "A button hook and slip-on shoes"
AI: "For button hooks, the Sammons Preston is $12.
Works with buttons and zippers.
For slip-on shoes, what type?
• Sneakers for daily wear
• House slippers
• Dress shoes"
User: "Sneakers, size 9"
AI: "Skechers Go Walk, size 9, $55
Easy slip-on design
Very cushioned
4.5 stars
So that's:
• Button hook - $12
• Skechers slip-ons - $55
Total: $67
Order both?"
User: "Yes"
AI: "Ordered! Both items arrive in 2 days.
Pro tip from reviews: The button hook takes practice.
Give it a few tries before giving up.
Hope your arm heals quickly!"Accessibility Best Practices for ACP
AI agents should follow these principles for accessible commerce:
1. Adapt to User Needs
• Adjust response length based on user preference
• Offer voice, text, or hybrid interactions
• Remember accessibility preferences
• Provide information in multiple formats2. Simplify by Default
• Limit choices to manageable numbers
• Use clear, plain language
• Confirm before taking action
• Provide clear next steps3. Be Patient and Supportive
• Never rush users
• Repeat information when asked
• Don't penalize errors or corrections
• Celebrate successful transactions4. Provide Multiple Pathways
• Visual descriptions for screen reader users
• Text alternatives for voice users
• Simplified flows for cognitive accessibility
• Multi-modal confirmation optionsKey Benefits Summary
| Accessibility Need | Traditional Commerce | With ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Vision impairment | Screen reader struggles | Natural conversation |
| Motor impairment | Clicking/scrolling difficult | Voice or minimal input |
| Cognitive disability | Overwhelming choices | Guided, simplified flow |
| Hearing impairment | Phone support inaccessible | Full text support |
| Elderly users | Complex interfaces | Patient, clear guidance |
| Temporary disability | No accommodation | Adaptive interaction |
Agentic commerce has the potential to be the most accessible shopping experience ever created. By adapting to individual needs rather than forcing users to adapt to interfaces, AI agents can truly serve everyone.
Next Steps
Explore more use cases:
- Voice Commerce - Hands-free shopping
- Consumer Shopping - General shopping scenarios
- Subscription Management - Recurring purchases