It seems big business continues to lead the way. A few months ago, I wrote about The Access Coalition, an initiative which was created by the American Association of People with Disabilities, CVS Pharmacy, Starbucks and others to provide retailers with common sense guidelines for making spaces more accessible. Now, Target has recently revealed they have retooled their self-checkout kiosks, just in time for the holiday shopping season.
The new kiosks are equipped with Braille and color-contrasted buttons, actual physical buttons, not display screen versions, to allow blind and low-vision users to better be able to have independent use of the kiosks. The kiosks also have headphone jacks with adjustable volume controls, tactile controllers, and improved audio guidance through the checkout process. It will likely require a little hands-on training to be able to use it seamlessly, but it is a step forward.
As much as I am a “shop local” kind of guy, I’ve observed the national chains are usually a lot better at providing accessibility in compliance with federal requirements. A Trader Joe’s just opened near my home, and I noticed the accessible parking in front of it was more in line with the law than other stores around it, even down to the signage.
Oklahoma’s own Love’s and QuikTrip stores also do a good job with accessibility. I know, in the case of QuikTrip, they were saddled with a 2010 settlement agreement from the Department of Justice concerning the accessibility of its stores, parking and accessible routes. QuikTrip readily complied with the agreement.
That’s probably a contributing factor to why national chains do better with accessibility. They either have been or have seen competitors sued for discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Either that, or they’re simply trying to get absolutely everybody’s money. Corporations are generally considered pretty greedy.
It’s just nice to see organizations doing the right things, whatever their reasons.
Field of dreams
 Home bleachers taking shape at OSD.
OSD football field improvements continue pushing forward
The new football field at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf will be finished next spring as warmer weather will allow for the field sod to take root.
Both the home bleachers, which has an announcer/press box, and the visitor’s bleachers are in place.
The field improvements have been a long-time dream of OSD supporters.
Plans call for an 80-yard field, bleachers, press box and a concession area. There will also be three-track lanes circling the field, and for the first time ever, lights will be installed, allowing for games to be played at night.
The field will allow for 6-man and 8-man football games.
The total budget for the stadium improvements is $1,519,500, with Valero, which is the world's largest independent oil refiner, donating $100,000 toward the project.
 Visitor's bleachers are in place.
 Construction crews continue their work.
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