[NFBWATLK] Automated Restaurant sued over lack of access for blind customers

[Mary ellen]

Interesting article, especially the follow-up.  The restaurant claims it has
accessibility features built in to its software.  One of the methods they
recommend is working with the worker in the front of the restaurant, but
they do claim the technology itself is accessible.

I can't help wonder whether the restaurant is lying or the plaintiffs in the
lawsuit didn't take the time to try to negotiate with the restaurant before
launching the lawsuit.

It's likely that automated service will be more and more common.  My local
grocery store already has self-check-out stations.  I observe that my sons
like using them, as do many young people, while older people opt for a
traditional cashier.  There was a time when one could decide between a gas
station attendant and filling one's own tank.  Now that choice is gone.
People in wheelchairs are having great difficulty finding gas stations with
attendants.  This makes me think that I should talk with my grocery store
about the desirability of building access into their automated check-out
lines.  Of course, it is very inefficient to attempt to shop independently
for most grocery items.  Produce works, but bagged and boxed items are hard
to distinguish by touch.  It would be possible to use a bar code scanner,
but that strikes me as extremely inefficient.  The best method still appears
to be to go to customer service and work with a human being.  That human
being can operate the automated check-out. I still ask to go through a line
with a human cashier because I hate to think of those jobs being automated
out of existence.

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATLK [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Nightingale, Noel via NFBWATLK
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2017 8:26 AM
To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Nightingale, Noel
Subject: [NFBWATLK] Automated Restaurant sued over lack of access for blind
customers


From: Olson, Toby (ESD) [mailto:TOlson2 at ESD.WA.GOV]
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2017 3:43 PM
To: GCDE-INFO at LISTSERV.WA.GOV
Subject: Automated Restaurant sued over lack of access for blind customers

http://www.recode.net/2017/3/23/15037806/eatsa-sued-automated-self-serve-kio
sks-accessible-blind-customers

Toby Olson, MPA
Executive Secretary
Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment
360-902-9489 office
360-791-9115 cell
tolson2 at esd.wa.gov<mailto:tolson2 at esd.wa.gov>



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