Blind Mothers in the Digital Age: How Public Services and Inclusive Technology Support Household Independence

Kartunet - In today's modern era, a mother's role in managing a household is closely intertwined with gadgets and the internet. From grocery shopping and finding child health information to communicating with schools and accessing public administrative services, everything has now transformed into the digital realm. For women with visual disabilities, technology is not merely a lifestyle accessory but an essential instrument that opens the door to absolute independence within the household and society.

Technology as a Key to Maternal Independence

In leading household management, a blind mother is required to be versatile. Psychologist Maria Wirastari, in the Special Mother's Day Webinar, emphasized that the keyword for women with disabilities is "empowered." This empowerment is achieved, in part, through mastering technology such as screen reader software.

Ms. Maria gave an example: equipped with a smartphone featuring a screen reader and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based applications, blind mothers can now read price labels in supermarkets, differentiate household product packaging, and even conduct online shopping transactions independently without always relying on sighted individuals. Similarly, Ms. Wacih Tarsidi also shared how the presence of smartphones today greatly helps her find various recipes, knowledge, and even just entertainment.

This independence in solving household problems not only benefits the mother but also psychologically instills a sense of security in her children. When children see their mother capable of facing the world, overcoming obstacles, and handling all matters independently, they will grow into more resilient and confident individuals.

The Nightmare of Inaccessible Application Design

Unfortunately, blind mothers' efforts towards independence are often sabotaged by inaccessible web or application designs. When a shopping or public service application is designed solely based on visual aesthetics without regard for screen reader functionality, users with disabilities are immediately blocked.

Often, form elements are not properly labeled, or the "pay" (checkout) button cannot be pressed without using a computer *mouse*. For blind mothers who navigate using a keyboard and audio, this is highly detrimental and forces them to cancel transactions to find a more accessible competitor application.

WCAG Standards and the Mandate for Public Services

To ensure that the digital space is friendly for blind mothers, technology developers are obliged to implement the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This international guideline establishes four main principles (POUR): Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. With these standards, every product image will be equipped with alternative text (alt-text), and the application interface can be fully read by a screen reader.

In Indonesia, the obligation to provide inclusive technology has also been reinforced through Government Regulation Number 42 of 2020. Article 17 paragraphs (4) and (5) mandate that public service providers who use technology must provide technology that is easily accessible to persons with disabilities, which at least includes audio facilities, tactile signs, braille, or visual cues.

Conclusion

Mastering digital technology is a powerful weapon for blind mothers to dismantle the stigma of helplessness. However, this independence demands reciprocity from society, especially from the government and private application development companies. Digital spaces and public services must be universally designed so that blind mothers can continue to work, raise families, and fully participate in the digital ecosystem without barriers.

References:

• "Special Mother's Day Webinar 2025 (DPP Pertuni)" (YouTube).
• Firth, Ashley. Practical Web Accessibility.
• Mancilla, Rae. Guide to Digital Accessibility.
• Lazar, Jonathan. Ensuring Digital Accessibility.
• Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 42 of 2020 concerning Accessibility to Settlements, Public Services, and Protection from Disasters for Persons with Disabilities.