Safeway Inc. announced on Dec. 13 a comprehensive initiative to make its online grocery shopping website more accessible and usable for Safeway shoppers with visual impairments. The site enhancements are the result of collaboration between Safeway and several visually impaired customers. 

Safeway has adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 level AA as its accessibility standard. The corporation has already made significant enhancements to its online shopping website to meet this standard and will continue to do so over the next year.

Customers have praised Safeway's announcement:

"I have been a Safeway customer for years, and with this initiative Safeway has assumed a leadership role in its industry," said Northern California resident Rebecca Welz-Griffith. "I love the convenience of Safeway's online grocery shopping, and have already seen significant improvements as a result of the commitment announced today."

"I'm thrilled that Safeway is recognizing the needs of its customers with visual impairments like me," said Southern California resident Cindy Flerman. "The changes announced today will make it easier for so many of Vons' customers throughout Southern California."

"Safeway has a long history of supporting our communities and people with disabilities. This decision is an important step towards helping our customers who are blind or visually impaired have a better shopping experience," said Larree Renda, Safeway Executive Vice President.