The Government of Canada continues on the path towards a barrier-free Canada. In this modern day and age, the Government is especially focused on supporting new technologies that help Canadians with disabilities play an active role in society. This has never been more important, as we build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As Minister responsible for Disability Inclusion, and as a person with a visual impairment, I understand the importance of these new changes. Knowing that I could go to the grocery store, to the pharmacy or to the mall with the confidence that I can make payments easily and without assistance is a game changer. This really is an issue of personal autonomy and independence.  It is also a matter of financial security. I want to thank Moneris and the CNIB for working with the Government of Canada on this initiative and for thinking outside of the box when it comes to breaking down barriers for persons with disabilities.”
— Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“Ensuring access to technology is fair and equitable for all Canadians is the only way we can bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive payment experience for consumers. We are proud of our work with CNIB and the Government of Canada to create a solution that can be applied to the thousands of Moneris Core devices currently in market. We will continue to expand the availability as we migrate more merchants from legacy to Core devices over the next few years.”
— President and CEO, Moneris, Angela Brown

“As society continues to embrace contactless payment methods, business owners must not overlook providing accessible payment options for the 1.5 million Canadians living with sight loss. Imagine having to choose between disclosing your PIN with the cashier or a stranger in line behind you, or instead walking away from buying your groceries. Every day a Canadian with sight loss is forced to make this decision. These upgraded payment terminals are the first step in ensuring financial independence is maintained for everyone that completes a payment transaction.”
— President and CEO, CNIB, John M. Rafferty

• May 30 to June 5, 2021, is National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) in Canada, a time when accessibility and inclusion are promoted across Canada. It is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and recognize all efforts related to removing barriers, ensuring persons with disabilities participate fully in all aspects of Canadian society.

• The federal investment of $557,725 was provided to Moneris and the CNIB under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Accessible Technology Program. This program co-funds innovative projects led by research institutes, private sector companies and not-for-profit organizations to develop innovative assistive and adaptive digital devices and technologies for persons with disabilities.

• The new accessibility features will be available for no additional cost to Moneris merchants. For merchants using Moneris Core terminals today (V400c, V400m, Move/5000 and Desk/5000), a software update applied in late June 2021 will make these features available. Merchants using older terminals can contact Moneris to get their devices upgraded to newer Moneris Core terminals. 

• This update will feature screen accessibility features and audio features. When activating the accessibility mode, users will have access to enhanced font sizes and increased contrast, resulting in better visibility. The audio mode (V400c and V400m only) will include voice instructions for leaving tip, confirmation of payment and even an option to receive a printed receipt. 

Associated links

• Making an accessible Canada for persons with disabilities
• Accessible Technology Program

For media enquiries, please contact:

Marielle Hossack
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
marielle.hossack@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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