Target Rolls Out Accessible Self-Checkout

Target Expands Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide

Target is taking a major step toward retail accessibility with the launch of self-checkout kiosks designed for blind and low-vision shoppers.

The new technology, developed in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Minnesota and other blind community members, is already available in 200 stores and will expand to all Target locations by early 2026.

Designed with Accessibility in Mind

The accessible kiosks feature:

• High-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume
• Physical navigation buttons
• Streamlined touchscreen functions

Target co-developed the tactile controller with Elo, a touchscreen manufacturer, and chose not to patent the technology, ensuring other retailers can adopt it too.

Why This Matters

For years, blind shoppers have been excluded from the convenience of self-checkout. Corbb O’Connor, president of NFB of Minnesota, explained:

“As a blind person myself, I’ve seen for years that we’ve been reducing the number of human cashiers in favor of self-checkout experiences, and not a single one of those until now has been usable by me.”

With this innovation, blind and low-vision shoppers will have equal access to self-checkout for the first time, potentially setting a new industry standard.

Looking Ahead

Because Target’s technology is non-patented, accessibility advocates say other retailers now have no excuse not to follow suit. This rollout could be a turning point for accessible shopping across the retail industry.