After three years of litigation, Wells Fargo will finally provide talking ATMs and earphones for their visually impaired customers.
You've probably noticed that ATMs are already equipped with Braille, although I have never figured out why they have it at the drive through ATMs1, but that still doesn't solve the problem of being able to confirm transactions or respond to the prompts. While this seems like a no brainer, the agreement took so long because the different parties had to evaluate various kinds of technology.
The agreement between the California Council of the Blind and the bank states that Wells Fargo must install talking ATMs at all of their 1500 California locations by 2003. To start, next year 20 talking ATMs with earphones will be placed in the L.A., San Diego, and San Francisco areas.
The talking ATMs explain the keypad and how to make transactions. The ATM confirms transactions but it cannot give out the balance verbally and it cannot "hear" the users voice.
Wells Fargo does not see the out of court agreement as a defeat, simply an opportunity to serve a new market and maximize the opportunity. Larry Haeg, spokesperson for Wells Fargo said, "If there is an opportunity to earn more business and develop stronger relations with a certain segment of your customer base, why wouldn't you want to do it?'' In fact, Bank of America will also pilot test talking ATMs next year.
Under the agreement, Wells Fargo must also make other banking information, including statements, brochures, notices, loan applications and legal disclosures, available by audio, Braille, large print, computer disk, or online.
Of course, Wells Fargo is not the only bank with non-talking ATMs but the plaintiffs were Wells Fargo customers. It has not been decided if other banks will be asked to comply as well.
1 Only about 15% of those visually impaired can read Braille.
