Australia's Westpac is rolling out new talking automated teller machines (ATM) to offer improved self-service banking facilities to visually-impaired customers.
The NT-based Access Friendly ATMs offer voice assisted cash withdrawal and balance inquiry capability which is easily navigated using the numeric keypad. Additional functions including deposits will be added to the ATMs at a later date.
The new ATMs will initially be deployed in nine locations, with additional sites planned for roll out in late 2002.
Ann Sheryy, Westpac group executive, comments: "Westpac's objective is to help ensure that Australians with disabilities have the same access to basic banking services as all other Australians."
National Australia Bank last month installed its first talking ATM on a six month pilot trial.