Katarzyna Petru
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a groundbreaking law that transformed the landscape of public spaces, workplaces, and digital platforms in the USA, guaranteeing rights for individuals with disabilities. This anniversary signals a new wave of innovation in the B2B technology segment, particularly evident in self-service kiosks present in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, transport hubs, and shops.
LG Electronics is one of the leaders of this change, presenting the second generation of self-service kiosks, designed from the ground up with consideration for people with visual, mobility, and hearing disabilities. Created in collaboration with experts from Tech for All and directly consulted with users, the devices aim to provide equality, independence, and a sense of dignity during every interaction.
Accessibility from the outset, 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 electronically adjustable height – and offer features such as tactile buttons, voice navigation, and full compatibility with screen readers. This makes them accessible to both wheelchair users and people who are blind or hard of hearing.
As Michael O’Hare, Director of System 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 too late and too expensive. LG has avoided these pitfalls by creating a solution that genuinely works for everyone.”
Common standards instead of solitary efforts
LG does not limit itself to hardware alone. The company co-chairs the Accessibility Committee of the Kiosk Manufacturer Association, 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.
On the horizon are also additional accessories, such as cameras for additional feature support, which will further expand their capabilities.
This approach fits perfectly into LG’s ESG vision – Better Life for All. The accessibility strategy encompasses not only kiosks but also includes audio description instructions for home appliances, integrations with voice assistants, and thoughtful design across the entire product portfolio.
ADA 35 years later: from compliance to genuine empowerment
The ADA created the foundation for accessibility in the USA. Today, it is technology companies like LG that are building the next levels on this foundation – ensuring that accessibility is a natural part of daily life for millions of people around the world.
For LG, this is not just about fulfilling legal obligations. It is primarily a source of innovation. As Peter Kim, the leader of the B2B strategic alliances team at LG Electronics USA, emphasises:
“Technology should empower everyone. By integrating accessibility into the DNA of these kiosks, we are providing solutions that are truly inclusive and give people a sense of agency.”
