Target is making history by rolling out the first nationwide accessible self-checkout experience designed specifically for shoppers who are blind or have low vision.
By early 2026, every Target store in the US will feature new self-checkout technology that includes braille, tactile buttons, a headphone jack, and custom audio controls.
The system was developed with input from the blind community and tested in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind.
"Shopping with my daughter and teaching her how to use the self-checkout — that was powerful," said Steve Decker, Target's senior manager of accessibility, who is also blind. "It is not just tech. It is joy, independence, and change."
The technology allows blind shoppers to plug in wired headphones to hear audio prompts that guide them through scanning, payment, and checkout.
A tactile controller developed with tech company Elo helps users navigate the system with simple physical buttons and directional arrows.
According to FoxBusiness, Target began piloting the new features in May and has already installed them in over 100 stores.
Most remaining stores will receive the upgrade by the end of 2025, with the rest coming online in early 2026.
"There's not a lot of accessible self-checkouts really in the country that we're aware of today," Decker explained. "Often, blind people have some help shopping, but self-checkout hasn't been something we've been able to do."
As of early 2026, Target expects its self checkouts to be more accessible for shoppers who are visually impaired. Steve Decker, the company's senior manager of accessibility, explains the technology rollout ...https://t.co/Ek9heexYt3
— En-Vision America (@ENVAmerica) September 26, 2025
Target's Tech Boosts Independence
The push for accessibility isn't new for Target, but this marks the first time blind individuals have played a lead role in the strategy and design of a major tech solution in-store.
The result, Decker says, is something that gives users more dignity and independence.
The self-checkout system doesn't just benefit blind shoppers. It also helps those with motor disabilities who may find physical touchscreens difficult to use.
According to the American Foundation for the Blind, nearly 52 million US adults report some degree of vision trouble.
About 3.7 million say they have major vision loss, and over 300,000 report being completely blind.
"Target's new accessible self-checkout experience is unique not only because it's a first in the industry, but because it was designed through collaboration with the blind," said Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, Yahoo reported.
Target believes this change will not only improve how people shop — but who gets to shop with confidence.
Decker, who often avoided in-store visits before this, now shops with his daughters and teaches them how to use the same technology.
"It's really empowering," Decker said. "It shows what's possible when accessibility leads innovation."
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