POSB Bank launches 86 'talking ATMs' to help the visually impaired

POSB Bank launched on Wednesday 86 "talking ATMs" in Singapore to help the visually impaired perform basic ATM transactions.

In a press statement, POSB said the initiative marks the first time a local bank is introducing talking ATMs in the country and gives the bank the largest network of such ATMs.

Working closely with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), the bank said it enhanced 86 ATMs across its network to provide functions such as Braille instructions and audio guidance.

To activate audio instructions, users simply have to plug their headsets into the ATM’s audio jack and listen to a voice guide them as they perform basic transactions such as balance enquiries or cash withdrawals.

POSB noted that a number of the elderly suffer from visual impairment as a result of ageing and chronic eye diseases, and this number is expected to grow as Singapore's population ages.

"The process behind this initiative, from user experience development, testing, piloting and then finally wide-scale implementation took some 1,000 man hours," said Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore country head.

Danny Chia, vice-president of SAVH, said, “With POSB providing ATMs with audio features, the visually handicapped person is now able to withdraw cash independently and privately. This eliminates the need to make cash withdrawals over the counter or having a sighted person present to read out the prompts on the screen.”

POSB Talking ATMs can be identified by Braille indicators or by “Visually Handicapped Friendly” signs on the ATM. Further user instructions in Braille can also be found at key locations across the machine.

Information on POSB Talking ATMs, including usage instructions, is available at go.dbs.com/talking-atms.