Madhu Singhal requested several banks to install a talking ATM. Now, the efforts of this visually impaired founder and managing trustee of Mitra Jyothi have paid off. The Union Bank of India's ATM at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in HSR Layout will be operational from Saturday.

Madhu said, "This ATM will prevent the visually-challenged from being taken for a ride by people who assist them in withdrawing money."

This Talking ATM, the first of its kind in Bangalore, has a Braille-enabled keypad and an audio system to guide the visually impaired through the various steps of getting cash.

Branch manager Shobha Chander said a security guard will be around 24/7 to help the visually-impaired enter the kiosk. The user should put on her headphones and plug in the jack to the ATM before inserting the debit/credit card to go ahead with the transaction, she added.

A series of audio instructions guide the user through various steps to finish the transaction -- be it withdrawing money or checking the balance. The user also has the option to render the screen blank to prevent others from knowing the transaction details.

Shobha said a Braille dot embedded on the numeral 5 holds the key for the visually impaired to use the machine. "We request them to carry headphones while using this ATM," she said.

The bank is examining the possibility of installing a permanent headphone at the ATM but the apprehension that it could be stolen or become a source of infection has made them wary of going ahead with it.

This ATM can also be used by all other people.

The Talking ATM is near Mitra Jyothi, where over 60 visually-impaired individuals undergo a three-month computer and independent living skills training. This organization has been working for their welfare for the past 24 years.

Where is it?

Union Bank of India ATM, National Institute of Fashion Technology premises, 27th Main, 16th Cross, Sector I, HSR Layout, Bangalore

Source: Times of India