U.S. Access Board calls for public comment on accessibility guidelines for SSTMs

The U.S. Access Board requests feedback on guidelines to enhance accessibility for self-service transaction machines (SSTMs), crucial in public places. These machines often lack features usable by individuals with visual impairments, prompting the need for tactile controls or auditory information. The Board is particularly interested in public input regarding the design, location, and economic implications of accessible SSTMs for individuals with disabilities.

Self-service transaction machines (SSTMs) and kiosks are a common feature in places of public accommodation, government offices, and other buildings and facilities. They typically have touchscreen interfaces with on-screen buttons or a keyboard. Without a physical keypad or other tactile controls, these machines are unusable by many people who are blind or have low vision if the information is not provided audibly. They also frequently lack captioning and text equivalents for audible information. 

The U.S. Access Board has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on supplemental accessibility guidelines for different types of SSTMs, including electronic self-service kiosks, for persons with disabilities.

The Board seeks comments on accessibility related to the various types of self-service transaction machines (SSTMs), use and design of SSTMs, location of SSTMs, and economic impacts on small business, non-profit, and governmental entities in the implementation of accessible SSTMs.