The audible point of sale (APOS) till is a talking till developed by InFocus that can be operated independently by visually impaired users.
The APOS was developed in partnership with charity retail software specialists BMc Azurri who adapted existing electronic point of sale (EPOS) software to create a new platform that reads out the text of each button on the till to a user as they find or press it, as well as tell users when an error message appears on the screen. Funding came from the ‘Tech for Good Programme’ organised by Comic Relief and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Andrew Roberts, Head of Employability and Enterprise Development for InFocus, said:
“Most retailers now use EPOS till systems based on touch screen technology that are inaccessible to people with visual impairments and other disabilities. Although we have previously developed a Braille overlay for sensitive touch screens we still found that most of our students were unable to use a modern EPOS till without close supervision.
Our solution, the APOS till, allows users with a wide range of visual impairments and other disabilities to work or volunteer in a retail environment without close supervision.
This is a major step to supporting all of them to develop their independence and confidence”.
Andrew Roberts, Head of Employability and Enterprise Development
How it works
The APOS till gives audible feedback (via external speakers or a bluetooth headset) when the user interacts with the touchscreen.
There are three levels of touch sensitivity.
Three levels of touch sensitivity
Level 1: Basic assistance
APOS reads the full text of each button you press, right through from choosing items and departments, through to choosing a payment type. You can also tap display-only items and listen to those screens (e.g. sub-total)
Level 2: Find and tap
This allows the user to operate the till without fear of making a mistake. You can drag your finger across the screen to find the button you are looking for. Once the till reads out the button you want to press you can tap it to confirm the action.
Level 3: Tap anywhere
This is similar to “find and tap”, except you can tap anywhere on the screen once you have found the button or operator you need. This is perfect if the user is unable to accurately find and tap the button.
Variable audio assistance
The level of audio assistance can also be adjusted. For example, choosing for the till to read out every error or other message that’s normally displayed on the screen.
Awards and development
Natspec (the membership association for organisations which offer specialist further education and training for students with learning disabilities and/or disabilities) and the Charity Times Awards recognised the EPOS development and celebrated InFocus showing excellent practice in the specialist further education sector.
The till uses hardware from Box Technologies, and is currently in use in InFocus’s five charity shops in Exeter and East Devon. InFocus also has a substantial eBay store that offers valuable learning opportunities and work experience for students, as well as volunteering options for former College students, young people at its St David’s House residential home and the wider community.
