impairments, Bank of America today announced that every Bank of
America ATM in the country has been equipped with voice-enabled
technology. Visually impaired customers can now access more than
18,000 Bank of America ATMs, the largest network of bank-owned ATMs in
the U.S.
Talking ATMs provide audible instructions in English or Spanish to
persons who cannot view information on an ATM screen. These machines
make it easier for people with visual impairments to withdraw cash,
deposit money and perform other ATM transactions. The ATMs have audio
jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately through standard
headsets to protect the security of users who are blind or have low-
vision.
"Bank of America has long been a leader in understanding the needs of
blind and low-vision banking customers," said Jeff Thom, president of
the California Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the Arlington,
Virginia-based American Council of the Blind. "From talking ATMs, to
accessible online banking, to Braille bank statements, we are proud to
have partnered with Bank of America for almost 15 years."
In 2001, Bank of America was the first bank in the United States to
announce a comprehensive plan to install talking ATMs across the
country. The bank was also the first to make its Web site and online
banking conform to Web accessibility standards.
"Bank of America is pleased to offer talking functionality in over
18,000 ATMs across the country," said Rob Aulebach, ATM Channel
Management executive. "This is just one of many services we continue
to offer to our visually impaired customers. We are proud to offer
innovative solutions at our ATMs so all of our customers have the
control and choice to manage their everyday finances effectively."
In addition to talking ATMs, Bank of America is the first major bank
to equip all of its deposit-accepting ATMs throughout the country with
deposit imaging technology. This technology is now available at 13,800
Bank of America ATMs. Deposit Image ATMs allow customers to feed
checks and cash directly into the ATM slot, eliminating the need to
fill out deposit slips and stuff envelopes. For cash deposits,
customers can deposit up to 40 bills at a time and receive immediate
credit if the transaction is made on a business day by 8 p.m., subject
to certain exceptions explained in our account agreements. Deposit
Image ATMs calculate deposits automatically and display information on-
screen or via audio for verification.
To locate a Bank of America ATM, visit www.bankofamerica.com.
California Council of the Blind
California Council of the Blind is a state-wide consumer-based
advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired
Americans. CCB and its members are dedicated to improving the quality
of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who
have visual impairments. CCB has a long history of commitment to the
advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence
for people who are blind and visually impaired. CCB has been working
with Bank of America for nearly fifteen years on issues of banking
accessibility, and issued its first press release about Bank of
America Talking ATMs in 2000. More information about CCB and about
Talking ATMs can be found by visiting www.ccbnet.org and http://lflegal.com/category/talking-atms/
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions,
serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and
large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset
management and other financial and risk management products and
services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United
States, serving approximately 59 million consumer and small business
relationships with 6,000 retail banking offices, more than 18,000 ATMs
and award-winning online banking with nearly 30 million active users.
Bank of America is among the world's leading wealth management
companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking
and trading across a broad range of asset classes serving
corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the
world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to more than 4
million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-
use online products and services. The company serves clients in more
than 150 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a
component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange.
