Booth 5727— Show floor is Nov 19-22 — Orlando Florida. Here is main IAAPA website. In 2024 for our IAAPA kiosk show we will have four member companies featured. Here is registration link and highly recommended to download the app for your phone. This year, the show information will be more robust on the phones in the app than on the usual exhibitor portal desktop page.
Free invites. We can give you free invite code. Email [email protected] — you can also visit kioskindustry.org where we have the code listed.
Pyramid Computer — will be showing a couple of self-order and ticketing examples. Pyramid Computer was recently named THE kiosk provider for Six Flags
Update 11/8/2024: Here is excerpt from meeting with comments by Sachin. Led with SSTM status which is undergoing review by OMB. Once completed will be issued for comments. Possible date Feb 1st, 2025.
All are welcome to attend the next meeting of the U.S. Access Board, which will be open to the public and take place virtually on October 30 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (ET). The agenda for the meeting includes brief reports from standing and ad hoc Board committees, federal agency updates, and a report by Executive Director Sachin Pavithran.
US Access Board News
Members of the public may attend the meeting through the Zoom.gov platform or by phone (listen-only mode). Please note that participation over Zoom will require the use of the passcode provided below. For further information, contact Rose Marie Bunales at [email protected].
The U.S. Access Board is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities. It achieves this through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for various environments and technologies.
Key Functions:
Developing Accessibility Standards: The Board creates and maintains design criteria for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology.
Providing Technical Assistance: It offers guidance and training on accessibility standards to help ensure compliance and promote best practices.
Advancing Inclusive Design: The Board works to ensure that public spaces and services are accessible to all, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and public transportation.
Recent Initiatives:
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Seeking public comment on proposed rules to make EV charging stations accessible.
AI and Disability: Hosting hearings on the impact of artificial intelligence on the disability community.
COVID-19 Home Tests: Publishing best practices for designing accessible COVID-19 home tests.
On October 8th, 2024, the W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AGWG) published Guidance on Applying WCAG 2 to Non-Web Information and Communications Technologies (WCAG2ICT) as a completed W3C Group Note. WCAG2ICT describes how Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) principles, guidelines, and success criteria can be applied to non-web information and communications technologies (ICT), specifically to non-web documents and software. The Note includes guidance for WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 success criteria and glossary terms. For an introduction, see: WCAG2ICT Overview.
On October 8th, 2024, the W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AGWG) published Guidance on Applying WCAG 2 to Non-Web Information and Communications Technologies (WCAG2ICT) as a completed W3C Group Note. WCAG2ICT describes how Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) principles, guidelines, and success criteria can be applied to non-web information and communications technologies (ICT), specifically to non-web documents and software. The Note includes guidance for WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 success criteria and glossary terms. For an introduction, see: WCAG2ICT Overview.
The WCAG2ICT Group Note has been a key resource for including WCAG in ICT accessibility regulation, legislation, and other standards around the world. The updated WCAG2ICT now facilitates further adoption of WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 in non-web contexts.
Example: Examples of technology that may have closed functionality include but are not limited to:
self-service transaction machines or kiosks — examples include machines used for retail self-checkout, point of sales (POS) terminals, ticketing and self-check-in, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
telephony devices such as internet phones, feature phones, smartphones, and phone-enabled tablets
educational devices such as interactive whiteboards and smart boards
entertainment technologies including gaming platforms or consoles, smart TVs, set-top boxes, smart displays, smart speakers, smart watches, and tablets
an ebook reader or standalone ebook software that allows assistive technologies to access all of the user interface controls of the ebook program (open functionality) but does not allow the assistive technologies to access the actual content of book (closed functionality).
medical devices such as digital blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, or other wearable devices
an operating system that makes the user provide login credentials before it allows any assistive technologies to be loaded. The login portion would be closed functionality.
other technology devices, such as printers, displays, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
SSA check-in kiosks being deployed and they are brand new — From Montgomery Advertiser — down below we include actual tested parameters and the tool SSA uses along with spreadsheet with results.
Here are the key points:
New Kiosks: Social Security offices have installed new kiosks to improve accessibility and privacy. These kiosks are ADA-compliant and easy to use.
Enhanced Check-In: Modifications have been made to assist customers who are blind or have low vision.
Mobile Check-In Express: Customers can now use their mobile devices to check in by scanning a QR code, making the process faster and more convenient.
Commitment to Accessibility: Social Security is dedicated to enhancing customer service and accessibility through these new technologies.
Excerpt:”Exciting News: Introducing New SSA Kiosks
At Social Security we strive to make our services more accessible while maintaining your privacy. We installed new kiosks in most of our local offices to make it easier for you to check in and conduct business with us. The kiosks are private, easy to use without assistance, and provide consistent service to our customers.
Modifications to earlier screens have improved the check-in process, especially for our customers who are blind or have low vision. Each kiosk is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes the following features:
Accessible keypads.
Audio headphone jacks (complimentary headphones are available upon request).
Braille instructions for how to use the kiosk and report any accessibility issues.
Built-in thermal printers and ticket dispensers.
Enhanced 508-compatible check-in software.
Touchscreen monitors with privacy filters.
Here is a look at some of the parameters tested for.
U.S. Access Board Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
On September 3, the U.S. Access Board published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend the EV charging regulations and accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) to specifically address the accessibility of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This proposed rule provides specifications for the accessibility of EV charging stations, to include the EV charger (including physical and communication access), EV charging space, access aisles, and accessible routes. The public can review the docket and read background documents or comments received on the docket webpage.
“The Access Board seeks the public’s feedback and comments on our proposed rulemaking on EV charging stations. As technology advances, so must our accessibility standards to ensure that Americans with disabilities have equal access to advancements in technology, such as electric vehicles,” remarked Executive Director Sachin Pavithran. “This is an opportunity for the public to engage with the Access Board’s rulemaking, and we look forward to reviewing your public comments as we move our rulemaking efforts forward.”
There are several key regulations in place for EV charging stations in the United States:
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance: Charging stations must meet specific standards for installation, operation, and maintenance. This includes having a minimum number of ports, types of connectors, and payment methods1.
Interoperability: The infrastructure must be interoperable, meaning it should work seamlessly with different types of EVs and charging networks1.
Accessibility: There are requirements to ensure that EV charging stations are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes provisions for accessible routes and operable parts2.
Data and Connectivity: Charging stations must provide data on their locations, pricing, real-time availability, and accessibility. This information should be accessible through mapping applications1.
Signage: Proper traffic control devices or on-premises signage must be installed in concert with the EV charging infrastructure
Generally we stay focused on kiosks here at the KMA. Having said that, oftentimes in-house development projects for “unattended customers” which involve kiosks, often involve mobile apps and even websites for that matter. Here is a look from kioskindustry on mobile accessibility
Excerpt:
Accesssible Apps From LinkedIn Collaboration
Your team values speed over accessibility. How can you ensure inclusivity while meeting tight deadlines?
Accessible apps – When time is of the essence, it’s essential to identify the accessibility tasks that will have the most significant impact. Start by implementing keyboard navigation and ensuring that all content is accessible through assistive technologies. This doesn’t have to be time-consuming; simple adjustments to HTML can make a big difference, such as using <header> , <nav> , and <footer>elements for better document structure.
Our perspective on accessible apps (747 words)
Start with identifying main channels and percentages. How much desktop versus mobile? Probably more mobile (60%?) and accessibility considerations are different for both. Is it Europe or US? They are different. https://kioskindustry.org/standards/ is good start point to learn how we think about kiosk accessibility and standards. Most of them apply in part to mobile.
For testing mobile I suggest the Section 508 Mobile Standards Testing summary by VA. Checking mainstream web accessibility use google pagespeed and MS edge. Generally just tune your stylesheet. Simple and easy. Takes 20 minutes. Arias and menu picklists are the real pains and they are easy too.
A slow site is less accessible as well.
New standards from US Access Board come out in next 60 days. New legal liabilities. Large companies are often held for ransom by lawyers.
Reply
Don’t forget iOS versus Android either. Great thing about pagespeed is it looks at it from Mobile perspective, then Desktop. Plus it tells you how fast or slow. Lighthouse in developer tools is another option and so is ARC from Vispero. All free.
Editors Note: We do recommend experienced consultants in unattended customer input space and those would be TPGi, Tech For All and Dolphin. Very useful and in particular for kiosk applications. Often – the overall project codebase will include not only mobile but POS, kiosks and web. It is also worth noting that while no definitive stats the general consensus is that the disabled community grew up on iOS and uses it more than Android.
Editors Note:Being able to think critically about ADA is good practice. There are many forms of accessibility and many of those are ignored in favor of the more popular. The writer is expressing their own opinion and not Kiosk Industry Group/Self Service Kiosk Machine. Discussion was stimulated (see comments below) and that was outcome we sought.
Christoph Nussbaumer CEO of Alpine Kiosk
About the Writer: Christoph Nussbaumer is the CEO of REINGroup based in Austria. Alpine Kiosk boasts a diverse array of designs, each is highly adaptive and radiating elegance and sophistication. Alpine Kiosk – Where each design is a testament to premium craftsmanship. Alpine Kiosk is Gold Supporter of Kiosk Industry Group and member of the KMA Kiosk Association. His viewpoint from Europe and US is invaluable. His viewpoint and opinion is his own.
Recently, I attended the Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt, Germany. I spoke with most of the self-check-in kiosk manufacturers and found out that many intend to build only ADA-compliant kiosks in the future. They worried about the risk involved if a wheelchair user caannot immediately find an accessible kiosk, so better make them all ADA.
This raises an important question: Is this approach practical? Should ADA regulations specify a percentage of kiosks that must be wheelchair accessible? Is it discriminatory if a company installs only ADA kiosks?
airline kiosks ada
Consider this scenario:
A visually impaired person who is 6 foot one (1.85 meters) tall is at an airport searching for a self-check-in kiosk. The ADA-compliant kiosk’s screen is set very low, with the Storm ADA interface even lower. The ticket and bag tag printers are nearly at ground level (seen in real life at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt).
Nowadays, most kiosks at ADA height have a Storm interface or other tactile/voice/sound input/output possibilities, but standard height ones do not. Again, a tall visually impaired person might not be happy. Isn’t this discriminatory towards a visually impaired person?
A few statistics:
50% of the U.S. population is over 1.68 meters tall and 25% are over 1.75 meters tall. For all these people, whether disabled or not, using a low kiosk is uncomfortable.
My Call for AIA!!!
I advocate for the Americans Inclusion Act (AIA), which would ensure that self-service devices are designed for all people. It shouldn’t be permissible to have kiosks set only at wheelchair height. There should be a rule specifying what percentage of kiosks should be at ADA height and what percentage at standard height.
Ergonomics at the Workplace
Over decades, workplace ergonomics have evolved and, in some cases, been codified into regulations or laws. Why should these principles be ignored for self-service kiosks?
An ADA kiosk is currently uncomfortable for the average person or at least for 25-50% of the population. Therefore, a “one size fits all” approach is not practical; we need kiosks at two different heights.
Neck Problems in Younger Generations Due to Smartphone Use
Studies show that younger generations are developing neck problems from looking down at their phones. We are repeating this with ADA kiosks and tilted screens, requiring users to look down. The only ergonomically correct and comfortable way is to look straight at a vertical screen, or if tilted, at a comfortable height.
Height-Adjustable Kiosks as an Alternative?
This seems like a good theoretical solution. It meets ADA legal requirements, but in practice, it may fall short. Self-service kiosks aim to increase efficiency and customer flow, so they need to be quick to use.
Height-adjustable kiosks, like adjustable desks, are usually motorized. Imagine standing in line, waiting as each person adjusts the height (cue motor noise). Waiting 10 seconds can feel like an eternity. And what are the additional costs of these height-adjustable kiosks?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Airports:
Interestingly, the Department of Transportation (DOT) already mandates that at least 25% of all kiosks in airports be accessible. This higher percentage ensures better accessibility and reduces wait times for individuals with disabilities. So, why doesn’t ADA make similar clear requirements for all environments?
Conclusion:
A one-size-fits-all concept is impractical. Dear manufacturers, please don’t offer your clients only ADA-compliant kiosks. That has nothing to do with ergonomics!
Recommend a certain percentage of ADA kiosks and make some kiosks at standard height with a convenient Storm ADA interface – 50% of visually impaired people over 1.68 meters will thank you. To the ADA committee, please specify in your guidelines what percentage of kiosks at a location should be wheelchair accessible. The term “sufficient” is not specific enough.
Comments Welcomed – Discussion is a Good Thing
Seriously, the old adage I hear thrown around all the time is “tall people can bend down”. At 6’-1” I’m not super tall, but tall enough that ADA compliant Kiosks are often hard to use. I recall being in Italy last summer and using a Kiosk set way above ADA and thinking how luxurious it was to not bend over. But I also think that way about tall showers, taller bathroom counter tops and the like. This world is not well tailored to the tall. Frank Olea
I do believe one size can fit all when Universal Design Principles are applied at the concept phase of development. And I don’t think pushing a button to adjust the height of a kiosk would critically impact the queue time, it’s a matter of seconds not minutes. The idea though, that the solution is modification instead of innovation, is what gets us stuck. What if a kiosk sensed the position of the user? Possibilities open up when the design is based on the user experience with full inclusion at the beginning. Also, I feel like percentages [what percent of kiosk should be ADA] is a futile discussion, there will never be consensus. Moreover, how is it an equitable experience when a user has to hunt for the kiosk that will “work” for them? Will there be kiosks for people using wheelchairs and those who are short, a few for people with sight loss, and then some for tall people too? Imagine if spell check was only available on two of the office computers! Universal Design benefits everyone. MJ Barry, Dolphin Computer Access
Craig Keefner — Seems like always exceptions. One of the complaints about the Little Clinic check-in kiosks is that some find them too short. This is Colorado and maybe people are higher than the base the ADA standards used (5 foot 4″ is my guess but I will check.
Craig Keefner — Philippe Boileau With increased use of cameras many have to crouch to get in focus. Eye level for a woman at 64″ still has to “reach” down to the 48 (or 44) max. I understand the most good for the most people but the min/max parameters still have problems. THere are short urinals in bathrooms but not all of them are short. The 48 reach is generally derived from person in wheelchair extending arm. Also consider less than 3% of US public uses a wheelchair. Its a tough equation no matter how you view it.
Frank Olea — Is it at all possible that ADA compliant kiosks are not inclusive to tall
Patient Check-in with Riser for Elevated Height
people? I’m 6’-1” and when I stand in front of my own product I have to stoop and I’m not really “tall”. We build this check in kiosk for a very large healthcare chain and they got complaints from taller patients, so they had us make a riser for some of the kiosks that go out to accommodate taller patients. Christoph Nussbaumer recently wrote an article about it and it started a lot of debate with us Kiosk types. See image to the right. If I were to guess I would say Kaiser Permanente
Chad Behling, PMPView Sr. PMP Certified Project Manager & Program Manager – When I worked at Uber and was helping run kiosk pilots, we utilized a stool for taller people to confortably use the kiosk but the experience was different as they were mostly used for driver onboarding, which took more time than something like check in.
With the new regulations coming soon this year, KMA has issued a draft revision of its 17 point ADA checklist. Best advice in plain english.
Begin your project updates or initial design phase with accessibility in mind – a developer’s proverb says that you can spend time planning at the beginning or fixing at the end. While you may perform a cost/benefit analysis to guide you, the liability of being inaccessible at this time in history is too great.
Reach Ranges – ensure a sitting or standing persons can access the kiosk.
Alternative Navigation and Inputs – operable controls must be tactilely discernible, ex. navigation pad, arrow keys, and other touchscreen alternatives.
Audio Jack – plugging in headphones is the standard action that triggers a speech output mode for users who are blind.
Software: accessibility principles for software state that it must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
UI/UIX Design – while WCAG 2.2 is the current standard for web accessibility, many of the guidelines can be applied to kiosk software development, paying particular attention to contrast, errors, focus, labels, and target size.
Speech Output Enabled – speech output is required for people with visual impairments, but it also provides ways to support people with other print barriers like dyslexia, low literacy, and language learners.
Mobile Proxy – if leveraging a mobile application as an additional means for making self-service accessible, ensure your app meets WCAG 2.2 guidelines.
Added Hardware Devices: kiosks are integrated solutions, meaning there are often many hardware components working together to create the total self-service experience.
Devices and Components– can the kiosk user complete every task independently? This includes biometric or other authentications, scanning, transactions, cash in and out, etc.
Privacy and Security – confirm a user’s personal information safe when using the kiosk.
Installation: logistical considerations should be made prior to installation
Light – the position has been assessed in daylight ensuring the screen can be read and also after dark to assess screen lighting.
Sound – can speech output be heard against ambient noise in the location and environment.
Temperature – if the kiosk is in direct sunlight are the controls cool enough to touch.
Testing: Conformance and usability testing are paramount to the success of any kiosk project
Conformance Testing: should be done by independent accessibility experts – there are many organizations, public and private who perform conformance testing.
User Testing – have users with and without disabilities (including deaf and hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired, those with physical disabilities and neurodiversity).
Compliance:
Accessibility Audit Log & Development Milestones– Dolphin strongly recommend companies agree to a full accessibility audit of their software at concept phase of a kiosk development project. In addition to being able to fix known accessibility issues that will create a barrier for accessibility software, organizations who provide accessibility audits will provide you with a log of your accessibility testing outcomes and development targets to provide as proof of intent to comply with accessibility laws to authorities in the case of litigation.
Having an accessibility program, internally, can help address long-term kiosk deployments, employee workstations, your website and and your mobile apps. Too often accessibility is tucked into its own separate silos. Accessibility can no longer be delegated to a third party in the legal sense.
The Kiosk Association’s mission is to inform and educate on self-service. Membership is open to all companies. If you follow accessibility guidelines and encourage ADA contact us at [email protected]
Accessibility is in the news and we’re happy to announce new members of the KMA Accessibility Committee as well as a new Chairperson. Our new chairperson is Mary Jo Barry of Dolphin. To the general committee, we welcome Elo and Vincent Pallaver, manager for Touch Product Compliance as well as David Swallow Principal UX Consultant at TPGi.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming term as co-chair of the KMA Accessibility Committee. Accessibility is an important aspect of a kiosk integration and it’s good to have a pool of experts representing each facet of self-service at the table to discuss critical issues and lead change” said Mary Jo of Dolphin.
Mike O’Hare assumes the main Chairperson role from Nicky of Storm Interface who has completed her 2 terms according to bylaws. Thank you Nicola for your service. Oscar Rozo of LG Business is #2 chairperson.
In accessibility news there is news from US and from Europe. Storm has a new manager assisting with Europe and upcoming EAA accessibility requirements.
Featured: May 18th is booth 5536 at the NRA show. See six demos for self-order, digital menus and accessibility. In US we have the new New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile App. No doubt this will be extended to private business. July is the expected release date for new rules for ATMs, Kiosks and POS machines. Also EV charging stations.
Contact [email protected] with questions. From Kiosk Industry and Kiosk Manufacturer Association.
About Kiosk Industry
Kiosk Industry is the source for opinions, insights, news, and market trends for self-service kiosks, digital signage, POS, and more. Learn from the experts. We are a “co-op” of over 500 companies.
Our mission is to inform and educate. Accessibility, ADA, PCI, UL are some of our focus points. Join us for informative Q&A webinars and weekly emails.
Storm’s New European Sales Manager Prioritizes EAA
Although the deadline for complying with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is June 2025, suppliers and deployers of self-service technology in the EU seem mostly unaware of its existence. This is a situation that Storm’s newly appointed European Sales Manager, Matthijs Verhagen, is determined to remedy.
Having previously worked for a leading provider of screen reading software, Matthijs knows only too well the challenge that a touchscreen only interface can present to people with a sight impairment. This purely visual interface can also be difficult to use by people who cannot read and those who have mobility restrictions which prevent effective interaction with touchscreen technology.
The inaccessibility of touchscreen only self-service terminals has become the focus of lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as many other territories globally.
With its range of globally recognized Assistive Technology Products, Storm is often seen as the first choice for accessibility knowledge by self-service suppliers and deployers.
This ‘best in class’ product pedigree, combined with Matthijs’ software knowledge, puts him in the perfect position to advise suppliers to the EU of their obligations under the EAA.
‘Anyone supplying self-service technology to any country of the European Union must be made aware of the EAA. I look forward to raising awareness of the need for accessibility, and to helping Storm’s European customers with compliance. The EAA is not a law that should be ignored, because it gives countries of the EU the ability to punish non-compliant businesses, for example by way of fines.’ Said Verhagen.
Having developed a product range with a proven track record for complying with disability regulations in the USA, Storm believes that Europe must now follow suit. Accessibility of public use, self-service applications is a legal requirement which must not be ignored. The appointment of Verhagen to support Storm’s European efforts is excellent news for its customers in that territory.
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 for Blind People under their ‘RNIB Tried and Tested’ program. Storm’s products are in use in over 65 countries worldwide. https://www.storm-interface.com
Recommended Resources
Latest Web Rule on Accessibility by US — Great news [MJ Barry of Dolphin on LInkedIn]! The Attorney General has signed a final rule to update regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requiring digital content to meet certain guidelines to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. This is a huge step forward in ensuring that people with print impairments, such as sight loss and neurodivergence, can actively participate in our digital world. At Dolphin, this aligns perfectly with our mission and we are excited to see progress being made towards a more inclusive future. #accessibility#ADA#inclusion
Fact Sheet: New Rule on the Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Apps Provided by State and Local Governments
