ATM for the blind launched

A bank in Northern Ireland is to become the first in Europe to offer cash machines for partially sighted and blind people.

12:11 17 May 2005

A bank in Northern Ireland is to become the first in Europe to offer cash machines for partially sighted and blind people.

Using automated voice technology and headphones that can be fitted into a special jack on the ATM, the machines are aimed at making transactions easier for customers.

Two ATMs in Belfast will be equipped with the device and will be used in a special six-month pilot scheme. If successful, a nationwide rollout of the technology will take place.

David Mann of the Royal National Institute for the Blind welcomed the new cash machines as a "breakthrough" for people with sight problems.

"ATMs are really difficult to use for blind or partially sighted people because all the information is displayed visually," he said.

"This is therefore great news for people with sight problems - a real breakthrough for Northern Bank, and I'd call on all the other banks to follow suit."

Rosamond Bennett of the Northern Bank said it was "delighted to be the first in Europe to be using it" and was proud of the new facility.

The technology comes after consultations between visually impaired customers and staff.