When we looked up information about the visually impaired, we found out about the talking ATM for the blind. We were curious about the ATM machine. We found the first talking ATM was placed in the ShuangLian Branch of Chang Hwa Bank, so we emailed the bank and asked them if we could arrange an interview with them. Soon a staff from customer service center called us and said they were happy to receive us. On the day of our visit, the security guard of the bank welcomed us with a smile as soon as we walked in. Mr. Chiu from the bank detailed to us about the talking ATM and answered our questions. Below is the record of our visit:

 

 

 

Visiting talking ATM

Date: December 14th 2011

Weather: Rainy

Location: ShuangLian Brance, Chang Hwa Bank in Taipei

 

Below are points need to be noted while using the talking ATM:

1.A headset: It delivers spoken instructions

2.here is a raised dot on the “5” key. Hit the key and you are in audio mode.

3.Insert the ATM card to neon-lighted slot of the machine.

4.Follow the instructions and enter PIN

5.The far right side of the keypad tactile keys with raised X, |, and O which represent cancel, clear, and enter.

 

 

 

 

Our questions

Q1.Does the ATM speak Fukien, English, or languages other than Mandarin?

A1. We only have models for Mandarin.

Q2.As “5” is the only key with raised dot, how do the visually impaired recognize other keys?

A2.The layout was designed to the order of a 3 by 3 grid for the visually impaired to recognize.

Q3. What happens if the visually impaired forgot to take the money or ATM card?

A3.We will return everything according to the CCTV record and ATM card number.

Q4.Why is your bank the only one with a talking machine here?

A4.Because of the Shuang Lian Foundation for the Visually Impaired upstairs, many visually impaired friends would come to our bank. That’s why the talking ATM was installed here.

Q5.Are the ATM receipts Braille coded?

A5.Right now we only have uncoded ones.

Q6.Why is the ATM equipped with a headset?

A6.In case of eavesdropping, everything the ATM machine says can only be heard by the user. This is to protect privacy.

 

 

Our suggestions:

Hsin-Tung: I think there should be more talking ATM’s for blind people every where.

 

Jou-Chun: The headset of the talking ATM is too small. I think it should be changed to over-the-head type. Also, only one language is spoken. What if the user doesn’t understand Mandarin and only speaks Fukien or English? I think there should be more options for languages.

 

Yen-Ching: There should be a talking ATM at each bank. It’s too much trouble for the blind to go all the way just to withdraw money.

 

Yu-Han: I hope the ATM can announce instructions without access through the headset. It is possible for someone not to find the headset. If the ATM machine is placed in a soundproof room, there won’t be any eavesdropping.

 

Wen-Hung: It will be better if there is tactile paving to the ATM from the entrance of the bank.