NCR NetKey and the Evolving Federal Mandates on ADA: An NCR Position Paper

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) generally prohibits discrimination against Americans on the basis of their disabilities. In September 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) published updated regulations under the Act1. The standards provide specific detailed rules for accessibility in a broad range of areas, from amusement rides to accessible hotel rooms to drinking fountains. Included are standards regarding clear floor space and reach ranges applicable to ATMs, fare machines, vending machines, mailboxes, depositories and change machines. The 2010 ADA Standards have additional specifications for ATMs and fare machines, including requirements for private audio lead-through and tactile input. The 2010 ADA Standards do not specifically address other kiosks, self-checkout units, or other information transaction machines (ITMs). Furthermore, the standards specific to ATMs expressly exclude ITMs.

However, you may consider the 2010 standards as “best practices” for accessibility and determine that you would like your kiosk solution to meet these requirements. As such, the following sections outline the areas of the 2010 Standards specific to ATMs, and how they could be applied to NCR Netkey.

The standard NCR Netkey software solution can be customized to integrate with third-party hardware and/or software in order to meet the 2010 ADA Standards. For example, in order to provide tactile input, NCR Netkey can interface with a variety of keyboards, pin pads, or other hardware devices. Supporting audio lead-through can occur via integrating with screen reader software like JAWS, utilizing text-to-speech engines, or recording of custom voice audio.

To conform to the 2010 standards, install the kiosk so that either:

• The parallel approach ensures that the height of the highest consumer interface element is no higher than 1220 mm (48.0 inches) from the sidewalk level; or
• The forward approach ensures that the height of the highest consumer interface element is no higher than 1220 mm (48.0 inches) from sidewalk level.

NCR SelfServ™ kiosks and supporting pedestals can be positioned or integrated with additional devices so that all operable parts conform to the physical measurement regulations in the 2010 Standards, as these are interpreted by NCR. The maximum height for operable parts on the kiosk is the highest consumer interface element. For wheelchair users, the kiosk can offer parallel approach, providing easy access, security and private space if installed according to the 2010 Standards. NCR Netkey software is a hardware-independent solution. If you use non-NCR hardware you will need to work with your hardware vendor to determine accessibility compliance.