Poststations

Accessibility of Poststations at Post & Parcel Germany

Poststations

A Poststation is like a digital Deutsche Post retail outlet. At a Poststation, users can do all the usual things associated with a Deutsche Post retail outlet, such as:

  • Pick up mail items
  • Mail letters, registered items and parcels
  • Order services like mail forwarding
  • Buy additional insurance for the transport of items
  • and much more.

Users can also speak directly with a customer service representative by audio or video.

Accessibility of locations

Poststations are meant to be easily accessible to everyone. That means there are no obstacles such as a high curbs or steps that would make using one difficult.

We are aware of accessibility issues with some of our Packstations and Poststations. Modifying the locations is frequently impossible because we don't own them. However, we are working together with our location partners to find solutions and provide easy access for as many people as possible.

A list of locations accessible by all can be found here: DHL locations. You'll also find information about our Packstation locations. That will help you determine which one is right for you.

Accessibility of Poststations

The new, accessible Poststations have options and features that make them easier to use, such as:

  • Speech output (screen reader)

  • A large screen with adjustable font sizes and high contrast

  • Easily accessible control elements

  • A simple scanning process that makes precise parcel-scanner alignment unnecessary

  • Lockers at suitable heights for shipping parcels

A list of Poststations with these accessibility features can be found here: DHL locations. You'll also find information about our Packstation locations. That will help you determine which one is right for you.

Please note that these accessible Poststations are a new offer from Deutsche Post that will be launched in the second half of 2025, and are thus not available everywhere in Germany. The offer will soon be expanded to other locations.

Using the accessibility features

To activate the Poststation accessibility tools, click on the menu item "Bedienhilfen" at the bottom of the screen.

To activate the screen reader, simply plug your earphones into the audio port.

An overview of the different accessibility features:

Colors and contrasts

  • The texts are designed to be easy to read, using colors that contrast strongly with the background.

  • Colors are not the only things used to display information. We also use symbols.

  • Certain color combinations are avoided (such as red and green) since they can make the text difficult or impossible for some people to read. Only easy-to-distinguish colors are used.

Navigation

  • User guidance is simple and straightforward.

  • All menu items are clearly labelled and easy to find. There is sufficient space between items so that it's easy to click on the right one. 

  • Buttons and links are large enough to be easily clicked.

  • Errors: If the user has entered something incorrectly, an error message is displayed. That allows the error to be easily corrected.

Fonts

  • A clear and easy-to-read font is used.

  • The text is divided up into paragraphs to improve readability.

  • The font size can be adjusted for better legibility.

Tactile elements

  • Poststations use tactile elements in key places to allow visually impaired users to operate the devices. All interactive functions have Brail inscriptions. 

  • Interactive functions include the card reader for payments, dispenser slot for stamps and receipts, and the earphone port with volume control, and more.

Screen reader

  • When you plug your earphones into the Poststation audio port, screen reader mode will activate.

  • A brief introduction to using the screen reader and the most important touch gestures will be provided.

  • There are text alternatives for images, graphics, symbols and control elements that convey information.

  • Images that are purely decorative and contain no relevant information are hidden from the screen reader.

  • Forms are clearly labeled.

  • Errors have simple explanations.

  • Links and buttons are labeled.

  • Cashless payment is made via an external card terminal with a touchscreen. The PIN entry is announced through a small speaker, not through the headphones. The input is done via a touch-sensitive keypad. This is currently not a common method for blind users. A brief guide on how to operate the terminal is provided.

  • Poststations use sound cues to convey key information. For example, when a locker opens, the Poststation makes a clicking sound so that the right locker is easy to find.
  • The volume for audio text is adjustable.

  • Our Poststations adapt to the needs of users. If you click on the "Barrierefrei" (Accessibility) button, the displayed information shifts to the lower half of the screen, making the device equally accessible for all.
  • You only have to scan your parcel. Our scanners easily register all of the required shipping information. No precise alignment or placement of your parcel is required. Start the scanning process. With the label facing upward, hold the parcel in front of the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • There is shelf space where you can temporarily place your parcels, backpack or a walking aid. That allows you to have both hands free during the scanning process.
  • Shipping with the help of accessible lockers: Poststations have lockers at a lower height for equal accessibility. To find out more, click the "Barrierfreiheit" button to find out which lockers are available. 

Word choice

  • We use simple and clear words so that everyone can understand.

Navigation

  • Navigation elements are simple and uniform. All menu items are clearly labelled.

Controls

  • The design of input fields and controls is clear and consistent. 

Avoiding errors

  • If there is an error, an error message provides help or instructions.

Helpful tips

  • Helpful tips and information are provided about what to do next. 

Visual support

  • We use images and symbols to augment information and make it easier to understand.

Immediate assistance

  • Poststations have a video or audio function that allows users to speak directly with a customer service representative.