Inaccessible Point of Sale Devices

Here is another challenge for many blind persons to grapple with; inaccessible point of sale devices.  Why?  Because a blind person is unable to use them independently.  They need to depend on sighted assistance to help them complete their transactions.  They are unable to see the screens.  When they press a button, they do not receive any audio feedback to let them know that they are pressing the correct buttons.  If the device is of the touch screen variety, then they are unable to know where on the screen they need to touch.

 

Inaccessible point of sale devices are an infringement to the privacy and independence of blind persons and maybe it is time for manufacturers to start developing accessible devices.  Maybe, it is time for them to dialogue with some of the larger blind consumer groups.  If I go into a store to purchase a product, I need to be able to complete the transaction by myself without having to ask for assistance at the checkout counter.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and lobby manufacturers of point of sale devices to develop ways to make their devices more accessible to blind persons.

Visit www.afb.org to learn more.