STRATEGIC PARTNERS
July 4, 2001
Brad Lozier, vice president of NCR's Financial Solutions Division, Americas region, said, "Now that the U.S. regulatory requirements are firming up, we felt this was the right time to provide this simplified offer to our customers. By doing so, NCR simultaneously demonstrates our support for ATM users with sight impairments, as well as making the deployment of these features easy for institutions buying NCR Personas ATMs."
To activate audio capability on NCR's ATMs, customers must install NCR software and pre-recorded audio files that correspond to each screen. The audio files, played through the private audio jack on an ATM's fascia, allow the user to listen privately to voice-cued instructions while conducting transactions. All standard RCA-style headphone plugs are compatible, according to an NCR news release.
In addition, NCR's media indicator lights provide bright green flashing light next to the various components of the Personas ATM currently in use.
"NCR's media indicator lights go one step beyond the anticipated regulations. We did this to provide a more efficient ATM interaction for ATM users who may have limited peripheral vision or hearing impairments," said Lozier.
After the National Federation of the Blind filed lawsuits against several financial institutions, including PNC Bank, Mellon Bank and Chevy Chase Bank, some banks began introducing ATMs equipped with voice-guided technology
Requiring voice-guided technology at ATMs is one of the ideas being considered by the federal Access Board, which introduced a set of proposed changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act/Architectural Barriers Act on Nov. 16.
After several months of seeking public comment, the board hopes to introduce a set of proposed guidelines this summer. The Department of Justice may choose to adopt the Access Board's recommendations after reviewing the options.
Outside the U.S., where different regulatory requirements exist, NCR will continue to provide these private audio components as optional features.
