Katarzyna Petru
This year marks 35 years since the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a groundbreaking law that transformed public spaces, workplaces, and digital platforms in the USA, guaranteeing rights for people with disabilities. This anniversary heralds a new wave of innovation in the B2B technology segment, particularly evident in self-service kiosks found in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, transport hubs, and shops.
LG Electronics is one of the leaders in this change, presenting the second generation of self-service kiosks, designed from the ground up with the needs of people with visual, mobility, and hearing disabilities in mind. Created in collaboration with Tech for All experts and consulted directly with users, the devices aim to provide equality, independence, and a sense of dignity during every interaction.
Accessibility From the Project, Not as an Afterthought
Unlike many older solutions that required costly and late modifications, LG kiosks were designed to include all users from the very beginning. They come in various configurations – including with electrically adjustable height – and offer features such as tactile buttons, voice navigation, and full compatibility with screen readers. This makes them accessible for both wheelchair users and for the blind or hearing impaired.
As Michael O’Hare, Director of Systems Accessibility at Tech for All, notes:
“It is crucial to consider accessibility from the start. If something needs to be fixed at the final stage, it is usually already too late and too expensive. LG has avoided these pitfalls by creating a solution that truly works for everyone.”
Common standards instead of solitary efforts
LG is not limited to hardware alone. The company co-chairs the Kiosk Manufacturer Association Accessibility Committee, where it works with other industry players on common standards. Kiosks support a range of assistive technologies, including:
JAWS® for Kiosk from Vispero,
AudioNav™ from Storm Interface,
SoundHound AI voice interface.
There are also additional accessories on the horizon, such as cameras for supporting extra functions, which will further expand their capabilities.
This approach aligns perfectly with LG's ESG vision – Better Life for All. The accessibility strategy encompasses not only kiosks but also, among other things, audio description instructions for home appliances, integration with voice assistants, and thoughtful design across the entire product portfolio.
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The ADA created the foundation of accessibility in the USA. Today, it is technology companies like LG that are building the next levels on it – so that accessibility becomes a natural part of the everyday lives of millions of people around the world.
For LG, it is not just about fulfilling legal obligations. It is primarily a source of innovation. As Peter Kim, leader of the B2B strategic alliances team at LG Electronics USA, emphasizes:
“Technology should empower everyone. By embedding accessibility into the DNA of these kiosks, we are delivering solutions that are truly inclusive and give people a sense of agency.”
