Audio-aided ATMs for visually impaired


Bangalore: In order to help the visually challenged with their banking transactions, Automated teller machine (ATM) vendors NCR Corporation and Diebold have introduced audio-aided ATMs in India. The ATMs, which are yet to be deployed, have been developed in consultation with banks and the Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged, a support and advocacy unit at Mumbai's St. Xavier's College. The Reserve Bank of India had instructed banks in June 2008 to include ATMs for the visually challenged. However, banks are yet to comply with the order. In 2002, ICICI Bank set up a Talking ATM for the visually impaired in its high-tech e-Lobby at Pune for a test run. While, the deployment of such ATMs in India has not been given much attention until recently, New York City in U.S. alone has more than 1500 talking ATMs.