On October 4, 2001, Bank of America announced plans to install more than 7,000 talking ATMs coast to coast. With a total of more than 3,000 talking ATMs planned by the end of 2002, the rollout is expected to be complete by the end of 2005. The bank currently has 500 talking ATMs installed in Florida and California. According to the bank’s news release, the aggressive plan reinforces Bank of America’s objective of continuing to lead the industry in pioneering talking ATMs nationwide.
This generation of talking ATMs will include technological innovations not found in earlier generations of machines. These features, which will make Bank of America Talking ATMs among the most advanced in the industry, include efforts in volume control, spoken balance and voice synthesis.
The press kit included a statement by ACB President Chris Gray. “Bank of America continues to take a leadership role in the development and installation of Talking ATMs and we congratulate them on today’s announcement. This unparalleled action solidifies and magnifies Bank of America’s reputation in serving the blind community.”
Talking ATMs are part of a broader initiative at Bank of America to make banking work in ways it has never before, according to the news release. Accessible banking services for blind and visually impaired customers include making account statements available in braille and large print and raised line checks. The bank is also taking further steps to ensure that its web site and online banking services are W3-C compliant, so that people who access the Internet with screen readers won’t have problems accessing the information about their accounts displayed on their computers’ screens.
Talking ATMs provide audible instructions for people who cannot view information on an ATM screen. These machines make it easy for people who are visually impaired to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other ATM transactions. The ATMs have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions through standard headsets to facilitate privacy and protect the security of users.
To obtain additional information about the Bank of America’s Talking ATMs, call toll-free (800)-299-BANK. California customers can contact Bank of America at (800) 362-2538 for assistance. To locate a Bank of America talking ATM, visit www.bankofamerica.com.