Minneapolis, Minnesota (May 16, 2024): Julie Dalton, a blind individual residing in Minnesota; the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative advocacy organization of blind Americans; and MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic inside CVS Pharmacy, have worked together to successfully resolve litigation filed against CVS Pharmacy, Inc. over the accessibility of self-check-in kiosks at MinuteClinic. After voluntarily participating in a structured negotiations process, MinuteClinic proposed that it would phase out existing devices with an accessible alternative, which may be an accessible tablet or another technological solution. MinuteClinic may decide to replace the kiosks at some locations with a receptionist or a person in a similar administrative role to assist all patients, including the blind.

The agreement sets the kiosk phase-out and replacement period at eighteen months and stipulates that the accessible alternative shall “afford blind individuals an opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a sighted individual in an equally effective, equally private and independent, and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use.” MinuteClinic will collaborate with the National Federation of the Blind on the development and testing of the accessible alternative.  

“We commend MinuteClinic for deciding to leverage the expertise and lived experience of blind Americans by collaborating with us on an accessible solution for all patients,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We look forward to working with the company towards a more accessible and inclusive patient experience that serves as a model for the healthcare industry and beyond.”