[NFB_of_Georgia] Fwd: Press Release - McDonald’s and National Federation of the Blind Collaborate on Self-service Kiosks

Tue May 11 01:16:07 UTC 2021

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: National Federation of the Blind <webmaster at nfb.org>
Date: Mon, May 10, 2021 at 5:30 PM
Subject: Press Release - McDonald’s and National Federation of the Blind
Collaborate on Self-service Kiosks
To: Dorothy Griffin <dgriffin at nfbga.org>

[image: National Federation of the Blind logo and tagline live the life you
want] <http://nfb.org>

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
McDonald’s and National Federation of the Blind Collaborate on Self-service
Kiosks Blind Americans Commend McDonald’s for Commitment to Accessibility

*Baltimore, Maryland (May 2021): *The National Federation of the Blind,
America’s civil rights organization of the blind, and McDonald’s USA
announce a collaboration to make McDonald’s self-service kiosks in
company-owned, U.S. restaurants even more accessible to customers who are
blind. McDonald’s USA’s company-owned restaurants will implement these
enhancements by December 31, 2021.

Using new and advanced technology, enhancements to existing accessibility
features include screen-reading software, tactile keypads and the ability
for customers to connect their headphones or ear buds to the kiosk and
independently place their orders by responding to audio prompts.

“More accessible self-service kiosks are a win both for McDonald’s guests
who are blind and for its company-owned restaurants, since they will allow
us fully independent access to the menu and ordering options without
assistance from restaurant employees or other patrons,” said Mark
Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We commend
McDonald’s for quickly working with us to implement these innovations and
hope that McDonald’s leadership in the industry will serve as an example to
encourage other restaurant brands to incorporate accessibility into their
customer-service technology plans and specifications.”

The enhancements will be incorporated into 100 percent of existing kiosks
in California and 25 percent of existing kiosks in each company-owned
restaurant in other U.S. states. McDonald’s will also incorporate these
upgrades into all kiosks that are installed in any U.S. restaurant after
July 1, 2021, including new kiosks that suppliers are approved to sell to
franchised restaurants.

McDonald’s and the National Federation of the Blind will continue to
collaborate on training for restaurant staff in company-owned restaurants
and other innovations impacting McDonald’s guests who are blind.

“At McDonald’s, inclusion means opening our doors to everyone, and finding
ways to exceed customers’ unique needs,” Myrna Bell, McDonald’s Senior
Director, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Strategic Engagement,
said. “We are proud to partner with the National Federation of the Blind to
offer innovative solutions for our customers and help make everyone’s
McDonald’s experience even more accessible and enjoyable.”

McDonald’s kiosks currently include multiple accessibility features,
including a reach mode for guests with reach limitations, a screen
magnifier, ample clear floor space and a customer assistance call button
designed to alert restaurant crew members that a guest may require
assistance.

###
About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21141&qid=5301339>.
About McDonalds USA

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality
ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. For more information,
visit www.mcdonalds.com
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21155&qid=5301339>, or follow
us on Twitter
@McDonalds <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21142&qid=5301339>
and Facebook
www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21154&qid=5301339>
CONTACT:

Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21144&qid=5301339>

Juliette Alper
McDonald’s Global Communications
press at us.mcd.com <https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=21145&qid=5301339>

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-- 
Dorothy Griffin - President
National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
dgriffin at nfbga.org
770-374-4832

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.