Sight loss poses significant challenges in society due to the pervasive reliance on visual
information in daily activities. From navigating public spaces to accessing information
online, individuals with sight loss encounter barriers that hinder their independence and
participation. Social interactions can be challenging as non-verbal cues, facial expressions,
and visual gestures often play crucial roles in communication. Employment opportunities
may be limited, as certain professions heavily depend on visual tasks. Access to education
and cultural experiences may also be restricted without adequate accommodations.
Furthermore, the design of public infrastructure and technology frequently overlooks the
needs of those with sight loss, exacerbating the difficulties faced by individuals in a society
predominantly structured around visual communication and accessibility. Addressing these
challenges requires not only technological advancements and inclusive design but also a
broader societal shift towards understanding and accommodating the diverse needs of
individuals living with sight loss. AS NDIS providers on the Gold Coast, we work with a
number of clients who experience sight loss and see first-hand how society fails to recognise
the issues this can cause.
Inaccessible payment devices, particularly buttonless touchscreen card readers, are causing
frustration and embarrassment for blind customers. These devices, increasingly popular due
to their cost-effectiveness and advertising capabilities, require sight to input a PIN, leaving
blind individuals unable to complete transactions independently.
Blind customers have bravely opened up about their challenges in the realm of commerce
on the UK BBC’s Access All podcast, shedding light on the profound impact of inaccessible
payment devices. These individuals detailed distressing encounters where the absence of a
tactile interface on buttonless touchscreen card readers compelled them to disclose their
confidential PIN information to strangers. The vulnerability experienced in such situations is
palpable, as blind patrons find themselves navigating a landscape where privacy is
compromised and trust is uncertain. Instances where unpurchased items were reluctantly
abandoned due to insurmountable payment difficulties further underscore the profound
limitations imposed by these inaccessible technologies. Among the voices advocating for
change is Angharad, a blind accessibility expert hailing from Wales, who adamantly refuses
to use such machines. For her, the act of divulging a PIN becomes more than a transactional
inconvenience; it represents a profound invasion of privacy, a sentiment that resonates with
the broader challenges faced by blind individuals in navigating an inherently visual-centric
world.
Dave Williams from the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) notes the widespread
use of these devices by small and medium-sized businesses and emphasises that
accessibility solutions exist. Tactile templates and accessibility modes with audio cues are
available, yet many retailers appear unaware of these options, leading to persistent issues
for blind consumers.
Lawyer Chris Fry, who specialises in disability discrimination, clarifies that retailers, not
device manufacturers, could be in breach of the Equality Act. He stresses the importance of
informing customers about touchscreen-only payment options in advance and providing
alternative arrangements. The Federation of Small Businesses acknowledges the
convenience of touchscreen payment systems but underscores the imperative of
considering accessibility for blind and partially sighted individuals in the evolution of digital
payment options.