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News from the Federation Family

McDonald’s and National Federation of the Blind Collaborate on Self-service Kiosks:
Blind Americans Commend McDonald’s for Commitment to Accessibility:

The National Federation of the Blind, America’s civil rights organization of the blind, and McDonald’s USA announce a collaboration to make McDonald’s self-service kiosks in company-owned, U.S. restaurants even more accessible to customers who are blind. McDonald’s USA’s company-owned restaurants will implement these enhancements by December 31, 2021.

Using new and advanced technology, enhancements to existing accessibility features include screen-reading software, tactile keypads, and the ability for customers to connect their headphones or ear buds to the kiosk and independently place their orders by responding to audio prompts.

“More accessible self-service kiosks are a win both for McDonald’s guests who are blind and for its company-owned restaurants, since they will allow us fully independent access to the menu and ordering options without assistance from restaurant employees or other patrons,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We commend McDonald’s for quickly working with us to implement these innovations and hope that McDonald’s leadership in the industry will serve as an example to encourage other restaurant brands to incorporate accessibility into their customer-service technology plans and specifications.”

The enhancements will be incorporated into 100 percent of existing kiosks in California and 25 percent of existing kiosks in each company-owned restaurant in other U.S. states. McDonald’s will also incorporate these upgrades into all kiosks that are installed in any U.S. restaurant after July 1, 2021, including new kiosks that suppliers are approved to sell to franchised restaurants.

McDonald’s and the National Federation of the Blind will continue to collaborate on training for restaurant staff in company-owned restaurants and other innovations impacting McDonald’s guests who are blind.

“At McDonald’s, inclusion means opening our doors to everyone and finding ways to exceed customers’ unique needs,” Myrna Bell, McDonald’s Senior Director, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Strategic Engagement, said. “We are proud to partner with the National Federation of the Blind to offer innovative solutions for our customers and help make everyone’s McDonald’s experience even more accessible and enjoyable.”

McDonald’s kiosks currently include multiple accessibility features, including a reach mode for guests with reach limitations, a screen magnifier, ample clear floor space, and a customer assistance call button designed to alert restaurant crew members that a guest may require assistance.

A Few Updates from the National Association of Guide Dog Users:

As the 2021 convention draws near, NAGDU is busy making changes and modernizing a few things.

1. NAGDU has a new business number. This number is staffed by the exec officers. By taking a team approach, we will be able to answer calls and texts much more efficiently than in the past. The NAGDU number is 346-439-7444. The purpose of this number is to reach NAGDU board members for questions relating to guide dog user concerns, member dues, NAGDU events, and other related topics. Calls or texts to this number will typically be responded to within one business day. Please note that this number does not replace the NAGDU hot line, which we are still working on and hope to bring back in the future.
2. NAGDU Email Address: If you want to reach the entire board of directors, you can email [email protected]. Just like with the calls and texts, messages are typically responded to within one business day.
3. NAGDU Public Calendar: NAGDU hosts several events every month. Some of these events include the monthly board of directors meeting held on the last Sunday of most months, the Yappy social hour held every other Saturday, and the Guide Dog Matters seminars held on the third Sunday of most months. In addition, NAGDU also promotes guide dog user related meetings and seminars held by other affiliates and state divisions within the NFB. While we typically send out emails a few days before each event, we have also created a subscription calendar that works great with Android and iOS devices. To subscribe to this calendar, simply follow this long link from a mobile device or tablet: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/nagdu.org_7eopjofhnd4968m46rcmgrck
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In closing, we hope to see you at convention this year. NAGDU will be hosting its annual seminar and business meeting. Because elections will be held during the business meeting, it is important that you are current with your dues. These can include dues paid to your local state guide dog user division or to NAGDU directly. Stay tuned for more details.

Tap the 2021 Convention Concierge Service for First-Time Attendees:

This announcement comes from Tracy Soforenko, the chair of the Kenneth Jernigan Committee.

Make the most of your first convention! Prepare yourself for a convention experience filled with energy, empowerment, fun, and education.

The Kenneth Jernigan Committee understands that thinking about your first convention might be daunting, or perhaps there might be many gaps in what you think you should expect, but we are here for you. As President Riccobono announced at the May Presidential Release Live, we are launching the 2021 Convention Concierge Service for first-time convention attendees.

Let’s connect you with someone who can help break the ice, tap into our network, and answer your questions about all things “national convention.” Email [email protected] or drop us a voicemail at 410-659-9314, ext. 2020, by June 15 to let us know that you are interested.

Please include your name, preferred telephone number, what state you are joining us from, and a few things that you want us to know when matching you with mentors (e.g. life goals, if you are a guide dog user, perhaps a parent of a blind child, a student, your hobbies, the types of individuals you would like to meet, etc.).

We want your first convention to be a space where we grow stronger together with love, hope, and determination.

NFB Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.