Shopping with vision loss presents a number of challenges, including finding what you need and checking out with some speed. The lines to check-out with live cashiers are often long and slow moving. Even human cashiers do not make the process accessible for visually impaired shoppers, because for some reason, at every transaction, the customer is required to respond to a prompt on the screen facing them, which is not possible if we can’t read the text. On the other hand, the self-checkout seems to be moving at an almost rapid pace. Unfortunately, that process was not accessible to shoppers with low vision or blindness—until now.
In a press release, Target announced “a first-of-its-kind self-checkout,” rolling out nationwide beginning this 2025 holiday season and into early 2026. The “guest first” approach, they say, was developed primarily to support people with vision loss. The accessibility upgrade allows the shopper, utilizing wired earphones, to hear screen prompts and payment instructions, with tactile, high-contrast navigation buttons labeled in braille. The new technology is described as seamlessly integrated into existing self-checkouts, with an intuitive design that promotes independence.
For a description of the Target self-checkout experience, watch this Fox Business video.
More Accessible Options at Target Stores
Let’s not forget, Target also offers Aira service for shoppers who have low vision or blindness, making it available at every Target location in the US. Customers can use the free Aira service through the app to connect with a remote agent who provides visual interpreting to help them navigate the store, locate the items they’re shopping for, and checkout. Aira’s remote access is also available for shopping online at Target.com.
For me, a loyal Target shopper who is also legally blind, the most efficient mode for shopping, is Order Pickup. The website makes ordering online accessible, and it’s ready within 2 hours. A Target team member, who knows the store and can see the product details, better than I can, pulls my ordered items together. An email informs me the order is ready for pickup. I go to Target Guest Services, show my order barcode, they hand me the completed order, and I say “Thank You!”
