27/06/05 - Europe's first talking cashpoint

Europe’s first talking cashpoint

Getting cash from bank machines has always been difficult for blind and partially sighted people because the information is displayed visually. Now a cashpoint has been unveiled with revolutionary speaking software, designed specifically for people with sight problems.

Northern Bank, together with its former sister bank Clydesdale, are the first banks in Europe to use the new software which will help transform thousands of peoples’ lives. This pilot project, running in Belfast and Glasgow, was launched in May.

Using the cashpoint

The cashpoint is used by plugging a set of headphones into a jack which is fitted to the front of the ATM. The machine uses an automated voice to give instructions about the exact location of items such as the numbers on the keypad, the cash dispenser and all other devises on the machine. It also talks through each stage of the process, whether a user wants to check a balance or withdraw cash. Sighted users can also use the machine following instructions displayed on screen.

RNIB’s campaigns officer David Mann said: “ATMs are really difficult to use for blind or partially sighted people. I have learned to use my own bank’s machines by memorising the sequence of instructions. But that still doesn’t help me if anything goes wrong - if there are insufficient funds in my account or if the machine is not dispensing ten-pound notes etc. And I can’t use the ATMs for any other bank.

“This is great news for people with sight difficulties - a real breakthrough. I’d call on all the other banks to follow suit. The service is great - there’s a very thorough guide which leads you through all the functions but after a while you are able to skip through the process very quickly.”

Rosamond Bennett, marketing director of Northern Bank said: “We’re really proud of this new facility and delighted to be the first in Europe to be rolling it out. We’ve planned it very carefully and consulted with blind and partially sighted customers and staff before going live with it.”

For the full story and further information visit:   http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_gdcashpoint.hcsp