STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 17, 2002
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bank of Americahas installed Florida's first talking ATMs in nine cities across the state.
The talking ATMs, located in The Florida cities to Cocoa Beach, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Tampa, provide audible instructions to persons who cannot view information on an ATM screen, making it easier for vision-impaired users to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other ATM transactions. The ATMs have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately to protect the security of blind and low-vision users.
Doug Hall, chair of the Access Committee of the Florida Council of the Blind, said, "We are thrilled that Bank of America has taken this important step in providing independent access to banking services in our state. We applaud Bank of America and urge other banks in Florida to follow its example."
Earlier this year, Bank of America, in conjunction with the California Council of the Blind and several blind individuals, announced it would install more than 2,500 talking ATMs in California and Florida -- its two biggest markets -- over a three-year period. There are currently 68 Bank of America talking ATMs in California, where talking ATMs were first introduced in May of this year.
According to Lainey Feingold and Linda Dardarian, lawyers for the California Council of the Blind, the California machines "have been a great success.." Plans to install the ATMs in other states where Bank of America operates will be worked out early next year.
For more information about Talking ATMs, California customers may contact Bank of America at 1.800.ENABLEU for assistance. Florida customers should contact 1.800.299.BANK.
