For Immediate Release

7-Eleven, Inc.’s Upgrade of Point of Sale Equipment Praised by Blind Community
Tactile Devices will protect financial privacy

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2008) – Several organizations representing the blind community today commended 7‑Eleven, Inc. for installing tactile point of sale (POS) devices that will protect the privacy and security of 7-Eleven shoppers with visual impairments.  These new devices include tactile keys arranged like a standard telephone keypad, and enable 7-Eleven® store shoppers who have difficulty reading information on a touch screen to privately and independently enter their PIN and other confidential information.

7-Eleven has installed the new devices at more than 2,000 stores in the U.S. Over the next 18 months, all flat-screen devices in 7-Eleven’s 5,500 U.S. stores will be replaced with the tactile units. Today’s announcement is the result of collaboration between 7-Eleven and blindness organizations including the American Council of the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), and the California Council of the Blind (CCB). 

Speaking for the organizations, ACB President Mitch Pomerantz praised 7‑Eleven, saying, “Blind customers across the country will benefit from 7-Eleven’s decision to replace technology that cannot be used by customers who cannot see information on a flat screen.”

Pomerantz added, “7-Eleven has set an example for other retailers by recognizing that persons with visual impairments should not have to disclose confidential information when purchasing products and services.”

7-Eleven is also ensuring that the ATMs and Vcom machines in its stores nationwide are accessible as well. ATMs and Vcoms in 7-Eleven stores will contain a “talking ATM” function, allowing independent use by blind customers. 

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses some 7,500 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 33,700 stores in 17 countries. During 2007, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $46.6 billion. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

About the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the California Council of the Blind (CCB)
The American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans throughout the country, with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates.   The California Council of the Blind is the California affiliate of the ACB, and is a statewide membership organization, with 40 local chapters and statewide special interest associations.  The ACB and CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments.  Their members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired.   More information about the ACB and CCB can be found by visiting www.acb.org and http://www.ccbnet.org/

About the American Foundation for the Blind
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB is also proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the over forty years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. For more information, visit us online at www.afb.org.

CONTACTS:

For 7-Eleven

Margaret Chabris

Tel. (972) 828-7285; mchabri@7-11.com 

For the Blind Community

Adrianna Montague-Gray

American Foundation for the Blind

Tel. (212) 502-7675; amontaguegray@afb.net

Melanie Brunson

American Council of the Blind

Tel. (202) 467-5081; mbrunson@acb.org

Return to ACB Home page.