I have experienced times where debit machines are not accessible for me. The debit machines in stores should not be too high for people using wheelchairs, little people, and others to reach and use. For example, this photo was taken at Save on Foods. I cannot see the screen and this is not okay. This is common at a lot of grocery stores, too. I would like to see a change be made here so that our debit machines are accessible for everyone, everywhere. We should not have to feel like we are not supposed to be shopping.  

 

 

 

 

Every person should have the freedom to safely and securely pay for the items they wish to purchase with the tender they choose. This right is denied when a debit machine is not accessible. Electronic payment terminals are an everyday device that should not be difficult to use. But this is sadly not the case. Some pin pads are difficult to reach when they sit too high or too far from the edge of a counter. If a debit machine is too large or heavy, it may be hard to hold while making a payment. Touch screens without tactile markings or voice instructions can make it difficult for people with visual disabilities to enter their PIN or complete purchases. Many electronic payment devices don’t look or work the same way which can lead to payment errors. So can pressure to complete the transaction quickly. This is not okay.
  
Experiencing these barriers makes people with disabilities feel like they need to ask family members, caregivers, employees or even strangers to help them complete their purchase. But by sharing personal information, like their PIN, this creates a greater risk of theft and fraud. This is not necessary because electronic payments could easily be accessible for all. 

If we can't see the screen or hear the dollar amount from the machine itself, people could be charging anything or taking cash back options without our knowledge. It is scary out there and people with disabilities deserve better. It is not hard to use Universal Design and make things batter for everyone. 

Debit machines are only accessible if everyone has access to the information on the screen and payment options available. 

As society is going paperless more and more...the Province of BC needs to make it mandatory for all debit machines to be accessible for all! 

 

Here’s what an accessible debit machine should have:

1. Portable, Hand-Held or Adjustable Devices
   They should be detachable or on a flexible cord, allowing a customer to hold it in their lap, hand, or wherever is most comfortable.
   Devices should not be permanently mounted at a fixed height that might be out of reach for someone using a wheelchair.
2. Tactile Buttons & Audio Output
   Machines must have physical tactile buttons, not just touchscreen-only interfaces.
   Should offer audio output through a standard headphone jack (or Bluetooth), allowing people who are blind or have low vision to privately hear instructions.
   Should support speech output for all functions—not just parts of the transaction.
3. High Contrast & Large Text
   Large, high-contrast text on screens to help people with low vision.
   Simple, uncluttered screen layouts.
4. Height & Reach Range
   If mounted, machines should be within the accessible reach range (between 15 and 48 inches from the floor, depending on situation).
   Angled for easy viewing.
5. Tap Functionality
   Contactless (tap) payments are often the easiest and most accessible, but it should never be the only option—accessible PIN entry must also be provided.
6. Clear Audio or Visual Instructions
   Clear, consistent prompts for use.
   Should allow enough time for users to complete transactions at their own pace.

The Problem Now:
Many debit machines in BC today fail to meet these standards. They’re often mounted high on counters, touchscreen-only, or have inaccessible button layouts. This creates significant barriers, especially for wheelchair users and Blind or low vision customers.

Guidelines and Standards to Follow:

• Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B651 — Accessible Design for the Built Environment (includes information about EPT accessibility)
• Accessible Canada Act (ACA) — federal commitment to accessible services.
• ISO 9241-171 — Ergonomics of human-system interaction (includes software accessibility for IT products like EPTs)
   

Make all debit machines accessible in BC! The ideal standard is portable, handheld debit machines with tactile buttons, audio output, large text, and adjustable positioning. Tap-to-pay is great, but PIN and all payment methods should be accessible. Accessibility should be built in by default, not offered as an exception.