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Keypad kiosk peripheral aids visually impaired users

London-based keypad developer Storm Interface has announced the release of a new keypad kiosk peripheral designed to aid visually impaired users.

July 31, 2015

London-based keypad developer Storm Interface has announced the release of a new keypad kiosk peripheral designed to aid visually impaired users. The keypad, known as EZ Access, is audio enabled and is designed for use with a head-stick or stylus, according to a Storm Interface press release.

EZ Access was developed as part of a Storm Interface partnership with the Trace Center and the Royal National Institute of Blind People. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation will require 25 percent of all airport kiosks to have audio-navigation technology for the visually impaired. EZ Access audio-navigation technology is designed to provide an audio summary of the information on kiosk screens. It also utilizes white LEDs within the jack plug socket to make it easier for users to find.

"It is not just a matter of compliance," Trace Research Center Director Gregg Vanderheiden said in the release. "It's also good business. When used with EZ Access software, the keypad facilitates access for elders and anyone else who has trouble seeing, reading or using the touchscreen directly."