Accessible Vending Machines


It is so easy to take things for granted, but for those with a disability, simple daily activities can be a challenge. University of Waikato law student, Jane Sankey-O’Dwyer, decided to create vending machines that were easy for people with disabilities to use. As a blind student, Jane struggled to get a drink out of a vending machine by herself.

She wanted to make sure that no one else had to struggle with simple activities such as getting a drink or snack from the vending machine just because they may have a disability. Jane received a $5,000 scholarship for the university’s Summer10 week Start-Up Program. Jane went blind at age 25 and realized how difficult daily activities become so she wanted to make a difference for others.

She is looking into software similar to Siri on the iphone since voice-activated vending machines would give blind people more access to vending machine.We love that Jane’s working toward making sure vending machines are accessible for more people!