ATMs for the Blind

Northern Bank of Ireland and its sister bank Clydesdale are testing the first automated teller machine software in Europe that allows blind or partially sighted people to receive verbal instruction when conducting transactions. The text-to-speech software uses an automated voice to guide visually impaired people to the location of items they need on the machine such as numbers on the keypad, the cash dispenser and other devices. The software is activated when a user plugs a headphone into the ATM. It talks those users through each stage of processes such as checking account balances and withdrawing cash. What it says depends on customers' actions.

Copyright © 2005 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 15, No. 8, 8/05