Independence doesn't mean doing everything alone.
DeKarma connects individuals with sensory, physical, or cognitive accessibility needs to trusted local neighbours who can provide tailored everyday assistance.
Supported Assistance Areas
Vision & Reading
Assistance for members with low vision, visual impairments, or temporary eye conditions.
- Exam Scribe Support: In-person writing assistant for exams, tests, or academic assessments.
- Form Assistance: Reading and filling out printed government or utility forms.
- Sighted Navigation: Sighted guiding through unfamiliar streets, markets, and transit hubs.
- In-Store Shelf Reading: Identifying product brands, expiration dates, and ingredients.
Mobility & Physical
Physical support for wheelchair users, individuals recovering from surgery, or mobility restrictions.
- Wheelchair & Walker Escort: Steadying accompaniment on sidewalks and ramps.
- Carrying & Reaching: Reaching high shelves, carrying heavy boxes, or doorstep deliveries.
- Accessible Transit Accompaniment: Assistance navigating accessible bus routes and metro stations.
- Doorstep Package Transfer: Bringing heavy courier parcels directly inside the home.
Hearing & Communication
Communication and alert support for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and non-verbal community members.
- Written In-Person Support: Clarifying communications with delivery agents or repair staff.
- Visual Alert Setup: Setting up flashing doorbells or visual phone notification alerts.
- Digital Captioning: Enabling live captions on video calls and television systems.
Digital & Assistive Tech
Configuring smartphones and computers to maximize accessibility and digital autonomy.
- Screen Reader Setup: Installing and configuring Android TalkBack or iOS VoiceOver.
- Display Customization: Adjusting system font sizes, display scaling, and high-contrast modes.
- Voice Access: Enabling voice-dictated commands and hands-free phone navigation.
Built with accessibility at the foundation
We do not treat accessibility as a marketing checklist. Both the DeKarma web portal and mobile app are engineered to strict accessibility standards:
Guidelines for Helpers Supporting Neighbors
When accepting an accessibility task on DeKarma, we ask all volunteers to keep these principles at heart:
- Respect Autonomy: Always ask how the member prefers to be assisted before taking physical action.
- Patience & Clarity: Allow adequate time for communication, reading, or slow walking.
- Strict Confidentiality: Never disclose personal mail, banking details, or medical info seen during a task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join our accessible neighbourhood community
Download DeKarma to request or offer accessibility assistance.
Download DeKarma on Google Play