7-Eleven POS Praised By Associations for the Blind

WASHINGTON -- The American Foundation for the Blind commended convenience store chain 7-Eleven Inc. for its installation of tactile point of sale (POS) devices that protect the privacy and security of shoppers with visual impairments, the association stated.

"Blind customers across the country will benefit from 7-Eleven's decision to replace technology that cannot be used by customers who cannot see information on a flatscreen," ACB President Mitch Pomerantz said in a statement. "7-Eleven has set an example for other retailers by recognizing that persons with visual impairments should not have to disclose confidential information when purchasing products and services."

The POS devices include keys arranged like a standard telephone keypad and allow customers who have difficulty reading information on a touch-screen enter their PIN or other confidential information, according to the organization.

The new devices have been installed at more than 2,000 stores in the U.S., and all devices in 7-Eleven's 5,500 U.S. stores will be replaced with the tactile units during the next 18 months, the group stated.

7-Eleven collaborated with blindness organizations -- including the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and the California Council of the Blind (CCB) -- to select the new POS devices.

In addition, the c-store chain is ensuring that ATMs and Vcom machines in its stores across the nation are accessible to the visually impaired as well, the organization stated. The machines will contain a "talking ATM" function, allowing independent use by blind customers, according to the association.

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