Check In Kiosks — SSA Kiosks Test Tool Included for ADA

By | March 30, 2026
ssa kiosk

Last Updated on March 30, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner

Social Security Administration Check-In Kiosks Deployed

SSA check-in kiosks being deployed and they are brand new — From Montgomery Advertiser — down below we include actual tested parameters and the tool SSA uses along with spreadsheet with results.   Another writeup here https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/social-security-installs-new-kiosks-improve-19801935.php –  Social Security installs new kiosks to improve check-in process By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Sep 29, 2024. Thanks again to William Goren.

ssa kiosk

click for full size – from midland article ssa kiosk

Here are the key points:

  • New Kiosks: Social Security offices have installed new kiosks to improve accessibility and privacy. These kiosks are ADA-compliant and easy to use.
  • Enhanced Check-In: Modifications have been made to assist customers who are blind or have low vision.
  • Mobile Check-In Express: Customers can now use their mobile devices to check in by scanning a QR code, making the process faster and more convenient.
  • Commitment to Accessibility: Social Security is dedicated to enhancing customer service and accessibility through these new technologies.

Excerpt:”Exciting News: Introducing New SSA Kiosks

At Social Security we strive to make our services more accessible while maintaining your privacy. We installed new kiosks in most of our local offices to make it easier for you to check in and conduct business with us. The kiosks are private, easy to use without assistance, and provide consistent service to our customers.

Modifications to earlier screens have improved the check-in process, especially for our customers who are blind or have low vision. Each kiosk is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and includes the following features:

  • Accessible keypads.
  • Audio headphone jacks (complimentary headphones are available upon request).
  • Braille instructions for how to use the kiosk and report any accessibility issues.
  • Built-in thermal printers and ticket dispensers.
  • Enhanced 508-compatible check-in software.
  • Touchscreen monitors with privacy filters.

Here is a look at some of the parameters tested for.

ssa kiosks ada

ssa kiosks ada – click for full size

Actual worksheet used

SSA-508-Test-Method–Kiosk

SSA 508 Test Method

The Social Security Administration uses an Accessibility Test Method based on the Section 508 ICT Testing Baseline. Our Test Method is a process to determine conformance of with the Revised Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d).

The Social Security Administration uses ANDI as its primary, manual accessibility testing tool for web content.

https://www.ssa.gov/accessibility/testmethod.html?tab=1


Thanks to

William D. Goren, Esq., J.D., LL.M.

We recruited dozens of test subjects with and without disabilities.  Our prototypes were built to test potential solutions, and we also took the opportunity to test feature variations and what I would call “standard gaps”.  For instance, we tested the optimal screen angle, we learned that some design features don’t work as expected (e.g. people in wheelchairs never notice that your screen can tilt), we have established a 34” minimum height for operable controls (buttons, touchscreen, printer, etc.), maximum angle of Braille instructions, and we brought in a bunch of existing SW requirements that really need to apply to kiosks (e.g. visible indication of focus).
Author: Craig Allen Keefner

Craig Allen Keefner is an industry analyst, content strategist, and longtime authority on self-service kiosks, digital signage, unattended payment systems, and interactive technology. He manages content and industry strategy for Kiosk Industry and The Industry Group, with a focus on kiosk software, hardware-software integration, accessibility, payment compliance, healthcare kiosks, restaurant self-service, and emerging AI automation. Craig has covered the self-service and kiosk industry since the 1990s, tracking how public-facing terminals move from concept to field deployment. His work combines industry research, vendor analysis, operator conversations, standards tracking, trade show coverage, and practical experience with the real-world constraints of kiosk deployments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiosk