7-Eleven, Inc.'s Upgrade of Point of Sale Equipment Praised by Blind...( Tactile Devices Will Protect Fina...),Health

Tactile Devices Will Protect Financial Privacy

WASHINGTON, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Several organizations representing the blind community today commended 7-Eleven, Inc. for installing tactile point of sale (POS) devices that will protect the privacy and security of 7-Eleven shoppers with visual impairments. These new devices include tactile keys arranged like a standard telephone keypad, and enable 7-Eleven(R) store shoppers who have difficulty reading information on a touch-screen to privately and independently enter their PIN and other confidential information.

7-Eleven has installed the new devices at more than 2,000 stores in the U.S. Over the next 18 months, all flat-screen devices in 7-Eleven's 5,500 U.S. stores will be replaced with the tactile units.

Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between 7-Eleven and 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).

Speaking for the organizations, ACB President Mitch Pomerantz praised 7-Eleven, saying, "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."

Pomerantz added, "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."

7-Eleven is also ensuring that the ATMs and Vcom machines in its stores nationwide are accessible as well. ATMs and Vcoms in 7-Eleven stores will contain a "talking ATM" function, allowing independent use by blind customers.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 7,500 7-Eleven(R) st
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