Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) Installs 18,000 Visually Impaired Friendly ATMs

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) announced today that every ATM in the United States that it operates now has been equipped with voice-enabled technology, which will allow visually impaired individuals to easily access 18,000 Bank of America ATM machines.

So called Talking ATMs provide audible instructions and both English and Spanish for individuals that cannot view the information on an ATM screen. The machines make it easier for blind and otherwise visually impaired individuals to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other ATM transactions.

The ATM machines have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately through a standard set of headphones rather than a speaker to protect the security of ATM users.

“Bank of America has long been a leader in understanding the needs of blind and low-vision banking customers,” said Jeff Thom, president of the California Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the Arlington, Virginia-based American Council of the Blind in a press release. “From talking ATMs, to accessible online banking, to Braille bank statements, we are proud to have partnered with Bank of America for almost 15 years.”

In 2001, Bank of America was the first of the large banks in the United States to announce a comprehensive plan to install visually impaired-friendly ATM machines across its entire network of ATM machines.

“Bank of America is pleased to offer talking functionality in over 18,000 ATMs across the country,” said Rob Aulebach, ATM Channel Management executive. “This is just one of many services we continue to offer to our visually impaired customers. We are proud to offer innovative solutions at our ATMs so all of our customers have the control and choice to manage their everyday finances effectively.”