Marie Pospíšilová
Accessibility for public services and technologies today goes far beyond legal checkboxes. It's about respect, responsibility, and genuine quality of life. Parcel lockers have popped up everywhere in just a few years. Shopping centers, office buildings, communities, residential areas.
To work as a true universal service, they must serve everyone safely and comfortably, including people with disabilities. That's why we accepted the challenge from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NRZP) and kicked off a practical dialogue with its representatives.
Last month we held the first meeting at NRZP headquarters in Prague. One key takeaway: Real accessibility stems from user needs and hands-on experience, not just technical standards.
From Dialogue to Practice
What was the main impulse for NRZP CR to start addressing the accessibility of the lockers?
„The main impulse was complaints from people with disabilities. They find it convenient to shop via e-shops, but the problem lies in the accessibility of the delivery lockers. We ran our own quick survey and found many stations hard to reach, screens not accessible, plus other issues."
What types of barriers do you consider most problematic from the perspective of NRZP – is it more about the physical location of the boxes, their height, controls, or orientation in space?
"Plenty of hurdles at delivery lockers. Physical ones lead high curbs, steps, tight maneuvering space. Displays challenge visually impaired users. Wheelchair users' face screens mounted too high."
What minimum accessibility standards should every newly installed delivery box meet, according to NRZP?
"NRZP CR is drafting guidelines now, as no legal rules exist yet. Beyond those barriers we want audio signals when a locker opens, so visually impaired people to know which one. Top and bottom lockers also stay out of reach for many."
Do you see room in this area for the creation of an official methodology or accessibility certification for delivery lockers?
"The Ministry of Industry and Trade could define it through Act No. 424/2023 on accessibility for products and services, effective June 28, 2025. NRZP CR is convinced we can agree on a methodology with manufacturers and operators that everyone adopts."