Malaysians come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and many also have disabilities.
But despite having fellow Malaysians who are disabled, many of our infrastructures and facilities are not disabled-friendly.
Hence why ATLAS Vending is now releasing Malaysia’s first Braille-enabled vending machines, to cater to around 800,000 Malaysians who are visually impaired. ATLAS Vending took to their Facebook page to showcase their new initiative, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of the Blind.
They wrote, “Introducing Malaysia’s very first Braille-enabled Vending Machine, a collaboration between ATLAS Vending and the Malaysian Association of the Blind. Inclusivity and accessibility are our key pillars as a brand, and this initiative breaks barriers and ensures accessibility of our machines to all communities, including the visually impaired.”
ATLAS Vending has since been inducted into the Malaysian Book of Records for having the first Braille-enabled Vending Machine, which they hope will make simple tasks such as ordering a drink easier for those with visual disabilities.
These vending machines will cater to both those with visual disabilities and able-bodied people.
“As you get close to the machine, the motion sensor will automatically start playing the audio instructions. With the knowledge that the people who are partially-sighted can perceive colours and lights, ATLAS included LED light features to the machine to help them with locating the right buttons from ordering to performing payments,”
“There are Braille plates on the machine to communicate information such as the product and the price,” they shared, adding that their machines accept both cash and cashless payments.
ATLAS Vending’s Braille Vending Machines are currently located at the following LRT stations:
- LRT Universiti
- LRT Kerinchi
- LRT Abdullah Hukum
- LRT Masjid Jamek
- LRT Bandaraya
- LRT Sultan Ismail
- LRT PWTC
- LRT Plaza Rakyat
- LRT Ampang
- LRT KL Sentral
We genuinely hope that the general public treats these machines with care and consideration as it is meant to assist with creating normalcy for our fellow Malaysians who are visually impaired.
And kudos, ATLAS Vending, for such an amazing initiative in building inclusivity and accessibility for the blind.
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comment section.
Also read: PJ Cafe Run by Deaf Employees Needs Your Support to Survive
