Policy

Accessibility for parents and consumers with disabilities

Delivery helps busy parents save time and consumers with disabilities access the food they need.

21/08/24
5 min read
Dx - Parents - Perks & Rewards

Every month, tens of millions of consumers use DoorDash to ease their busy schedules and get back time to spend on themselves and their families. In this blog post, we explore how this accessibility benefits parents and people with disabilities.

Parents use DoorDash to make more time for themselves and their families

Busy parents have a lot to juggle: school, homework, soccer practice, playdates… not to mention their own work, other family obligations, and social lives. It’s no surprise then that 84% of parents say that DoorDash helps them be more productive or gives them time back for other activities and, of these, 60% say that they’re able to spend more time with their family because of DoorDash. And 73% say that DoorDash delivery makes them feel less stressed and anxious about providing for their family.

“I’m a single mom taking care of my kids, one of which has a disability.  I get tired of cooking all the time and it’s a nice treat to order out.” –Consumer in California

Parents were also more likely to use DoorDash for delivery of groceries, retail products and other necessities. In fact, 49% had ordered groceries or retail products from DoorDash compared to 42% of other consumers and 1 in 5 (19%) have used DoorDash to order from a retail or grocery store they would not have otherwise tried (compared to 14% of other consumers). They’re also more likely to order for loved ones. 62% of parents said they had used DoorDash to provide food for someone who could not leave the house (46% for other consumers) and 24% had used DoorDash to provide groceries or retail items for a loved one who couldn’t leave their house. 

With tools like DoubleDash, parents can cater to the whole family. Almost half (45%) of parents have tried DoubleDash to add items from a nearby store to their original order for no additional delivery fee. Of these parents, 62% had done so to order meals from two different restaurants (e.g. to accommodate multiple preferences).

“​​We like to order out at least once a weekend. It’s a treat for mom and dad so we can hang out. It’s a treat for the kids because they get to pick what they want for dinner!” –Consumer in Kansas

Many consumers have mobility issues and use DoorDash to meet their weekly food and grocery needs

The convenience and access to local merchants is especially valuable to consumers who have a chronic disability or mobility issues (1 in 5 consumers surveyed). When they’re not dining in a restaurant, 78% of these consumers say that half or more of their orders come from a third-party app. 42% of consumers with a disability or chronic illness say one of the main reasons they use a delivery platform to order a meal is because they have mobility issues or the physical effort is too much to take on themselves and 27% say it’s difficult to get to the restaurant. Without delivery, 21% say they would most likely skip the meal all together or just eat snacks, almost twice as likely as other consumers. 

“I am physically disabled, and it is difficult for me to cook for myself. Doordash is a great alternative to cooking.” – Consumer in Arkansas

Consumers with disabilities were more likely to use DoorDash to order grocery or retail items (50% compared with 43% of consumers without disabilities). Delivery enables these consumers to help themselves: 50% of consumers with disabilities have used DoorDash to order essential items when they couldn't buy them themselves or have someone else buy them. Three-quarters consumers with disabilities say that DoorDash helps them connect with the small businesses in their community. 

“I'm disabled and I can get food and groceries at anytime of day or night without having to ask my sister for help.” – Consumer in California

“I'm disabled due to MS.  Although I can drive when necessary, going into a store or restaurant, walking around there, loading into my car and then unloading and carrying into my house are extremely difficult.   I really enjoy the convenience of front door delivery, and the Dashers are very pleasant and helpful.  Thank you.” – Consumer in North Carolina