McDonald’s Kiosk Accessibility News
In Brief
- Public announcement by McDonald’s they are intent on addressing accessibility
- AudioNav selected by McDonald’s
- More specific details on an implementation schedule, company-owned versus franchisees, new kiosk versus existing kiosks expected prior to NRF 2022 which at the KMA Booth 1606 Storm will be showing the latest in accessibility technology.
- Worth noting that in hospitality, Marriott uses the AudioNav now. Airline check-in such as Southwest Airlines has been using for a long time.
- Storm Interface is also leading an open conference call later this month which will be a discussion session on strategies for extending accessibility to all manner of self-service. October 28th at 11 am CT. Contact [email protected] for invite. Limited seating available.
McDonald’s Kiosk ADA via Storm Interface audionav
Follow Up 10/18 — from Wall Street Journal
- The technology will be added to all existing kiosks in company-owned restaurants in California, and 25% of existing kiosks in other U.S. states. [company-owned restaurants]
- McDonald’s only operates around 5% of its roughly 14,000 U.S. restaurants, the company said. The rest are run by franchisees.
- The company said it would add the new accessibility function to all new kiosks installed in any U.S. restaurant after July 1, including those sold to franchised restaurants.
“Initiatives to improve accessibility to products and information for those with disabilities or impairments should be recognized and applauded”, say Storm Interface.
Storm Interface, manufacturers of the AudioNav system interface, are working with McDonald’s to accelerate improvements in the accessibility of McDonald’s restaurant kiosks. McDonald’s was recently recognized by the National Federation of the Blind for its achievements in accessibility. Storm are pleased to have had an opportunity to work with McDonald’s delivering an effective audible and tactile customer interface.
“From the first meeting it was clear that the McDonald’s team had recognized the challenges faced by those who could not see, read or interact with a touchscreen” said Peter Jarvis SEVP at Storm Interface. “We were (and remain) impressed by their willingness to explore and implement new ideas and new technologies. Storm are delighted that the AudioNav device was chosen by McDonald’s to provide the integrated audio connection and tactile interface for navigation of restaurant menu options.”
“Inclusion is at the core of our values,” said Kelsey Hall, Senior Manager of Global Digital Accessibility at McDonald’s. “Implementing new options for our customers to be able to order independently is vitally important to ensuring the restaurant experience is accessible for everyone.”
Storm Interface’s AudioNav device is currently being deployed to McDonald’s corporate owned stores and select franchise locations across the US.
Background Information:
About Storm Interface
For more than 35 years Storm Interface have designed and manufactured secure, rugged and reliable keypads, keyboards and interface devices. Storm products are built to withstand rough use and abuse in unattended public-use and industrial applications. Storm Assistive Technology Products are recognized by the Royal National Institute of Blind People under their ‘RNIB Tried and Tested’ program.
https://www.storm-interface.com
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