Resolution 2025-1: Inaccessibility of Hy-Vee Mobile Application

Iowa Council of the United Blind

Resolution 2025-1

Subject: Inaccessibility of Hy-Vee Mobile Application

Whereas, the Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) is a statewide organization committed to advocating for the rights, equality, and full inclusion of blind and low-vision individuals across Iowa; and

Whereas, digital accessibility is essential to the independence and equal participation of blind and low-vision individuals in everyday life; and

Whereas, Hy-Vee is one of the largest grocery store chains in the Midwest, serving thousands of Iowans, including many who are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, the Hy-Vee mobile application continues to present serious accessibility barriers for blind and low-vision users, including but not limited to unlabeled buttons, lack of screen reader compatibility, and an overall confusing and inaccessible user interface; and

Whereas, multiple ICUB members have attempted to engage Hy-Vee about these accessibility concerns through in-store visits, phone calls, and direct communication with Hy-Vee managers, including a Senior Vice President of Strategy and Planning; and

Whereas, although Hy-Vee initially acknowledged the concerns and indicated that an accessibility team had been established, all communication has since ceased and no meaningful improvements have been made; and

Whereas, ICUB has repeatedly offered guidance and assistance to Hy-Vee in identifying and addressing these accessibility issues and remains committed to working in partnership with companies that serve our community.

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Iowa Council of the United Blind in convention assembled this  twenty-third day of August, 2025, in the city ofUrbandale, Iowa, that the Iowa Council of the United Blind formally expresses its deep disappointment in Hy-Vee’s lack of meaningful progress and engagement in making its digital platforms accessible; and

Be it further resolved that ICUB calls upon Hy-Vee to renew its commitment to accessibility, including immediate action to fix critical barriers in the mobile application and the active inclusion of blind and low-vision users in the development and testing of future updates; and

Be it further resolved that ICUB requests a public response from Hy-Vee outlining specific steps and timelines it will take to ensure its digital services comply with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG); and

Be it finally resolved that ICUB will continue to advocate for equitable access and will encourage our members and the broader blind community to hold Hy-Vee and other companies accountable until true digital inclusion is achieved.Iowa Council of the United Blind

Resolution 2025-1

Subject: Inaccessibility of Hy-Vee Mobile Application

Whereas, the Iowa Council of the United Blind (ICUB) is a statewide organization committed to advocating for the rights, equality, and full inclusion of blind and low-vision individuals across Iowa; and

Whereas, digital accessibility is essential to the independence and equal participation of blind and low-vision individuals in everyday life; and

Whereas, Hy-Vee is one of the largest grocery store chains in the Midwest, serving thousands of Iowans, including many who are blind or have low vision; and

Whereas, the Hy-Vee mobile application continues to present serious accessibility barriers for blind and low-vision users, including but not limited to unlabeled buttons, lack of screen reader compatibility, and an overall confusing and inaccessible user interface; and

Whereas, multiple ICUB members have attempted to engage Hy-Vee about these accessibility concerns through in-store visits, phone calls, and direct communication with Hy-Vee managers, including a Senior Vice President of Strategy and Planning; and

Whereas, although Hy-Vee initially acknowledged the concerns and indicated that an accessibility team had been established, all communication has since ceased and no meaningful improvements have been made; and

Whereas, ICUB has repeatedly offered guidance and assistance to Hy-Vee in identifying and addressing these accessibility issues and remains committed to working in partnership with companies that serve our community.

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Iowa Council of the United Blind in convention assembled this  twenty-third day of August, 2025, in the city ofUrbandale, Iowa, that the Iowa Council of the United Blind formally expresses its deep disappointment in Hy-Vee’s lack of meaningful progress and engagement in making its digital platforms accessible; and

Be it further resolved that ICUB calls upon Hy-Vee to renew its commitment to accessibility, including immediate action to fix critical barriers in the mobile application and the active inclusion of blind and low-vision users in the development and testing of future updates; and

Be it further resolved that ICUB requests a public response from Hy-Vee outlining specific steps and timelines it will take to ensure its digital services comply with accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG); and

Be it finally resolved that ICUB will continue to advocate for equitable access and will encourage our members and the broader blind community to hold Hy-Vee and other companies accountable until true digital inclusion is achieved.