Prompted by changes in the law, large retailers are getting the idea about accessible services. Target and Staples stores have announced they will add tactile keypads to payment devices at all checkout counters. This will allow shoppers who are blind to privately and independently enter personal identification numbers (PINs)—something that has been impossible with touch screen technology. Target says all its stores, nationwide, will have the devices by the end of 2010. Staples says its stores will be outfitted by the summer of 2010.

The improved checkout services come following lobbying efforts by California Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, and American Council of the Blind. These efforts resulted in new California legislation requiring the keypads by the end of 2010. Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid and Trader Joes have already installed the devices in California stores.