A Merchant’s Guide to Accessibility on Toast Go® 3
The Toast Go® 3 is equipped with accessibility features, including JAWS for Kiosk, a screen reading solution. These features are designed to support guests with visual impairments, age-related vision loss, or other accessibility needs that benefit from audio or enhanced visual interaction. By mastering these tools, your staff can help every customer tip and pay with complete independence, privacy, and dignity. This feature is available on all Toast Go® 3 devices sold outside the United States.
Understanding the Technology
The Toast Go 3 uses a combination of hardware and software to bridge the gap between a touchscreen interface and a non-visual user experience. The device communicates critical payment information through multiple sensory channels, including visual and auditory methods, ensuring guests are not dependent on a single mode of interaction to complete a transaction. The accessibility features called out below are enabled when accessibility is turned on via the accessibility shortcut.
High-Contrast Virtual Keyboard
The device supports a high-contrast on-screen keyboard to improve visibility for users with low vision. This increases text clarity and enhances readability in various lighting conditions.
PIN Entry & Screen Privacy Mode
Privacy Mode enhances security during PIN or other sensitive data entry while maintaining accessibility. For additional security and for those users who rely only on audio feedback, Screen Privacy Mode allows them to operate the device while the display is completely darkened. This ensures their sensitive information remains private in public environments. In this mode:
The on-screen keyboard remains visible unless screen privacy is activated by swiping left and then up on the display.
Entered digits are not spoken aloud for security purposes.
Instead of announcing numbers, the device emits a tone (beep) for each key press.
Users continue to receive feedback with each key press. This approach helps protect sensitive financial information in public environments while still allowing blind and partially sighted users to independently complete secure PIN entry.
Text-to-Speech Audio Guidance
JAWS for Kiosk provides spoken instructions throughout navigation and payment flows. The system announces:
Transaction amounts
Tip options
Button labels
Total amounts
Payment instructions
Users can explore the screen by touch and receive real-time audio feedback.
USB-C to Audio Jack Converter (Headphone Support)
For private listening, the device supports audio output through a USB-C® to 3.5mm audio jack adapter (included in the box), allowing guests to connect personal headphones. When headphones are connected, audio guidance is automatically routed to the headset. This enables:
Discreet audio guidance
Improved clarity in noisy environments
Greater independence and privacy
Initial Setup: Enabling Accessibility Shortcuts
To be ready for a guest at any moment, accessibility shortcuts must be enabled during the initial device configuration.
Step-by-Step Activation:
Navigate to Settings & Tools > Device Settings.
Scroll down and select Accessibility.
Select JAWS for Kiosk.
Toggle JAWS for Kiosk Shortcuts to ON.
Choose your shortcut: There are two options:
Recommended: Hold volume keys is a shortcut to enable/disable accessibility mode which activates by pressing and holding both the up and down volume keys on the left side of the device at the same time.
Tap accessibility button provides a shortcut button on the display with two locations. Either floating over other apps or in the navigation bar. The location can be selected under More Options then Location Enable the Tap accessibility button. Select more options and select Location.
The Transaction Workflow
When a blind or low-vision guest is ready to pay, follow this 4-step protocol:
Phase | Action | Example Staff Communication |
Step 1: Prep | Initiate the payment on the Toast Go® 3 as usual. | "Your total is £24.50. I am turning on the audio guide for you now." |
Step 2: Activate | Trigger the accessibility shortcut before handing the device over. | "The device is now speaking. You can use your own headphones if you prefer." |
Step 3: Transfer | Hand the device to the guest or guide their hand to the screen. | "The screen will guide you through the tipping options. Double-tap to confirm." |
Step 4: Monitor | Stand by to assist, but do not touch the screen unless asked. | (Wait for the "Transaction Successful" audio cue). |
What the Guest Experiences
Understanding both the audio cues and the gesture controls helps staff confidently support guests if assistance is requested. When Accessibility Mode is enabled, guests interact with the device using touch gestures combined with spoken guidance.
Overview of Controls
When Accessibility Mode is active, the following gestures are used:
Navigate Between Options
Swipe left or right on the screen to move through available options. As the user swipes, the device announces each item aloud.
Explore by Touch
Slide a finger across the screen to hear items under their finger. The device reads each selectable element as it is touched.
Select an Option
Double tap anywhere on the screen to activate the currently announced option.
Volume
Increase the audio volume by swiping up on the screen and decrease the audio volume by swiping down on the screen.
These gestures allow blind and partially sighted guests to independently navigate and confirm selections without visual input.
Screen Privacy
This feature is designed for users who rely on audio feedback, allowing the device to be operated while the display is darkened to protect sensitive information from bystanders.
To hide the display, perform a continuous "L-gesture" by swiping left and then up on the screen. The display will go dark immediately. To exit Privacy Mode repeat the "L-gesture" (swipe left then up).
Typical Audio Guidance During a Transaction
Below is an example of the spoken prompts a guest will hear during payment:
Amount Announcement
“Select tip to add to original amount of 24 Pounds and 50 pence.”
Navigation Instructions
“Slide finger to hear tipping options. Lift and double tap to select.”
Final Total
“Total amount: 28 Pounds. Tap card or mobile at the center of the device.”
PIN Entry (Privacy Mode)
“For security, you will hear a beep instead of numbers. You will hear ‘first digit entered,’ ‘second digit entered,’ and so on. Enter all digits, then select the button on the bottom right.”
During PIN entry numbers are not spoken aloud and a tone confirms each key press.
Merchant Training and Accessibility Awareness
To support accessible and inclusive payments, merchants must ensure staff are properly trained and prepared to use Accessibility Mode at any time.
Merchants should:
Include accessibility information as part of device onboarding.
Train staff to activate Accessibility Mode quickly and confidently.
Review available demonstration materials to understand how the device behaves when accessibility is enabled.
Incorporate accessibility support into standard service training procedures.
Staff should be able to activate Accessibility Mode even if they have not recently reviewed setup materials. Accessibility should be treated as a standard part of payment acceptance, not a special or optional feature.
Recommendations for Supporting Blind and Partially Sighted Guests
In addition to technical training, merchants should follow these service best practices:
Prioritise Privacy: Always offer the headphone adapter when enabling accessibility. Blind and partially sighted guests value financial privacy just as much as any other guest. Headphones provide discreet audio guidance, particularly in busy or noisy environments.
Do Not Interrupt Audio Guidance: If the device is speaking, do not talk over it. guests rely on the spoken instructions to navigate the screen independently. Allow the audio prompts to finish before providing assistance.
Provide Location Awareness: If assistance is requested, clearly describe the physical layout of the device:
The Tap zone is located in the center of the Toast Go® 3.
The Insert (chip) slot is located at the bottom of the device.
Use clear directional language rather than pointing or gesturing.
Keep Accessibility Ready: Accessibility shortcuts should remain enabled in device settings at all times. The feature should always be ready to be activated when needed.