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The National is today launching an audio or voice-enabled ATM pilot. The pilot will enable customers who are blind, vision impaired or elderly to perform basic ATM transactions such as, cash withdrawals, printed account balances and transfers between National accounts. An official launch of the audio ATM is being held today at 12.30pm at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB), located at 201 High Street in Prahran. The audio ATM pilot, which will run until June 2002, is a joint venture with the National's ATM supplier Diebold and is being supported by the RVIB and Blind Citizens Australia (BCA). Kay Thawley, General Manager, Direct Retailing and Distribution, said the National has made a commitment, as part of its disability action plan, to investigate the possibility of installing ATMs with private audio jacks. "The intention is to take the learnings from this pilot and develop our strategy. By trialing audio-enabled ATM technology we hope to provide greater access to banking services and increase the financial independence of our customers," said Ms Thawley. "The National has committed to running an extended trial for eight months at an additional ten locations. In addition, from January 2003, all newly purchased ATMs will be voice enabled. We are focussed on creating an environment of equal access to banking and financial services and products, premises and employment opportunities for people with a disability. "One of the objectives of our disability action plan is to provide people who have a disability with full use and benefit of ATM services by taking into account their requirements when purchasing, installing and situating ATMs," Ms Thawley added. The advanced technology for this pilot was provided by Diebold Australia and is the first of its kind to be released in Australia, giving greater independence and convenience for customers who are blind or vision impaired without compromising the required security for financial transactions. Justine Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager at Diebold, said, "As the market leader in this technology, we're excited to be able to partner with the National and look forward to further providing and enhancing advanced technology into the market place."
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