Voice Guidance ATM

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have evolved over the years to incorporate many accessibility features to cater to the needs of people with various disabilities.

Early ATM Accessibility

In 2005, Comerica Bank piloted voice-guidance automated teller machines for the visually impaired. With the voice-guidance ATMs, customers plugged a standard set of headphones into the ATM's headphone jack to hear instructions in English or Spanish. Comerica worked with representatives from Leader Dogs for the Blind to make the new ATMs user friendly for the visually impaired. Instructions were provided for any ATM transaction being conducted, such as a deposit, withdrawal, balance inquiry, or payment. In addition to the new ATM machines, the bank re-engineered select existing ATMs to add voice guidance.

ATM Accessibility Features Today

1. Braille Instructions: ATMs often have Braille instructions next to the card insert slot to assist visually impaired users.
2. Voice Guidance: Many ATMs offer voice guidance for visually impaired customers. A customer can plug in a standard set of earphones and receive spoken instructions.
3. Screen Options: Adjustable screen contrast and brightness options help people with visual impairments. Some ATMs also offer options to enlarge text on screen to aid users with vision problems.
4. Height and Reach: Regulations in certain regions stipulate that ATMs must be designed so that they are easily reachable from a seated position, helping wheelchair users.
5. Keypad Design: Many ATMs feature a standard telephone-style layout for their number pad. The number five button usually has a tactile mark, helping people to orient their hands on the keypad.
6. Audible Tones: Audible tones can be used to confirm key presses, which can assist individuals with visual impairments.
7. Clear and Simple Instructions: Providing clear and simple instructions in easy-to-understand language makes ATM use easier for those with cognitive impairments or those who find complex instructions difficult to follow.
8. Time for Transactions: Some ATMs offer the option to increase the time allowed for transactions, which can be beneficial for people with motor or cognitive impairments who may require more time to complete transactions.

Specific ATM accessibility features can vary depending on the manufacturer, the bank, and the legal requirements of the country. The goal of these features is to ensure that ATMs are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.