Many people take for granted the gift of sight. Unless you are visually impaired, it probably never crosses your mind how those who are visually impaired manage simple day-to-day tasks. One of these tasks is something as common as accessing an ATM, an action millions of people perform each day. Bank of America announced today they have completed the installation of talking ATM’s throughout their network. Prior to talking ATM’s visually impaired persons relied on the Braille system to access ATM’s. Bank of America announced their decision to switch to voice enabled ATM’s in 2001 and today each of their 18,000 ATM’s are now converted to improve access and functionality for visually impaired individuals.

Bank of America has been in the forefront of the banking industry in providing services to the visually impaired. They were the first bank to tackle talking ATM’s and also the first bank to provide a website and online banking services that meet Web accessibility standards according to the press release available on Bank of America’s website.

The president of the California Council of the Blind, Jeff Thom is quoted in the press release saying, “Bank of America has long been a leader in understanding the needs of blind and low-vision banking customers, 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.”

How does the technology work.

With each ATM offering voice enabled technology, you may be wondering how that technology works. Audible instructions are available in both English and Spanish for visually impaired individuals who cannot read the information on the screen. This makes it possible for a visually impaired person to retain control over their finances and manage their money in the same manner as sighted individuals. Withdrawing cash, making deposits and other ATM functions are made easier by this technology. Each ATM is also equipped with an audio jack, making it possible to perform transactions in private, by listening to instructions through any standard headset.

Finding a Bank of America ATM.

As one of the world’s largest banks, finding a Bank of America ATM shouldn’t be a problem for most consumers. Bank of America services over 50 million customers through 6,000 banks and 18,000 ATM’s. Anyone trying to locate a Bank of America ATM can visit the website and enter your location to find a ATM or bank near you.