Norway monitors accessibility of ATMs and vending machines
The Norwegian discrimination and accessibility legislation includes not only web interfaces but also various types of self-service machines and terminals such as vending machines, ticket machines and ATMs. These should be accessible and placed so that all users, regardless of ability, can access the machine and use it.
Malin Rygg, who leads the monitoring department at the Norwegian regulatory authority Difi, says:
Nobody wants a machine that people can not use.
It is apparent that a self-service machine should be serviced by the user itself. Nevertheless, a Norwegian report from 2015 shows that about half of the self-service machines examined did not meet the requirements for accessibility. This despite the fact that the law began to apply in 2013.
This summer, the Norwegian regulatory authority Difi starts exercising control to ensure that machines covered by the regulations are accessible and placed so that everyone can reach and use them. Payment terminals in stores, vending machines, ticket machines and ATMs will be checked. However, in the same way as with the monitoring of website accessibility, the authority also reaches out with information, not least through various web guidelines.
Guidelines to help before monitoring
The reason machines do not work for everyone is because of a lack of knowledge. Many are involved, from manufacturers and designers to procurers and shop owners. The legal requirements in Norway are based on a large number of standards that make it quite difficult to get an overview of the regulations.
Position of the machine and the space around.
Therefore, the supervisory authority, Difi, has assigned Funka to devlop guidelines on deployment of self-service terminals and vending machines, with explanatory texts and clear illustrations that will simplify for those who need to keep track of what is applicable. Funka has previously designed similar guidelines and material regarding website accessibility, and these are very much used and highly appreciated.
We hope and believe that these guidelines can make a big difference, says Andreas Cederbom, Head of Analysis at Funka. Most of the machines could be placed to work for many more users.
It will be exciting to follow Difi’s monitoring work and we look forward to the fact that both guidelines and control can raise awareness about accessibility of vending machines, so that society is gradually becoming increasingly inclusive.
Guidelines of deployment of vending machines (text in Norwegian), opens in new window
Press release about the monitoring work (text in Norwegian), opens in new window