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| Source: POSB. From left, Derrick Goh, Head of POSB; Dolores Scully, PR Executive, SAVH, Danny Chia, Vice-President of SAVH, Guest of Honour Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin; Jeremy Soo, DBS Head of Consumer Banking Group Singapore, and Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, celebrate the launch of POSB’s Talking ATMs. |
POSB Bank has launched 'Talking ATMs' in Singapore. The ATMs feature visually handicapped-friendly functions such as Braille instructions and audio guidance. These new features will help visually impaired customers, including the elderly perform basic ATM transactions independently.
Working with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), the bank has enhanced 86 ATMs across its network to provide the inclusive capabilities. The POSB Talking ATMs initiative marks the first time a local bank is introducing Talking ATMs in Singapore. Most of the Talking ATMs will be located at MRT stations for ease of access.
Said Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, “As neighbours first, bankers second, POSB aims to build a more inclusive society by ensuring that its services are easy to use and takes into account the diverse needs of its customers. The process behind this initiative, from user experience development, testing, piloting and then finally wide-scale implementation took some 1,000 man hours. We worked closely with SAVH to ensure that for the visually handicapped, the process of using these ATMs would be as simple and easy as possible. POSB is thankful to have the opportunity to contribute towards a more inclusive society through our services.”
Said Danny Chia, Vice-President of SAVH, “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.
“It is hoped that with the example set by POSB towards making banking more seamless for the visually handicapped, other banks will follow in their footsteps. We applaud DBS for championing the rights of the visually challenged and in helping us take a step forward toward making ours a more inclusive and progressive society.”
To activate the audio instruction feature at POSB Talking ATMs, users plug their headsets into the ATM’s audio jack. This instantly activates the voice instruction feature that will guide users as they perform basic transactions such as balance enquiries or cash withdrawals. 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.
POSB has also provided a demonstration machine to SAVH. Located at SAVH’s premises, the machine will serve as a training tool to help members get acquainted with the ATM’s visually handicapped friendly functions. The bank is also working with SAVH to develop instruction manuals and train facilitators.
Interested?
Read more about POSB Talking ATMs and how to use them at posb.com.sg/talking-atms or go.dbs.com/talking-atms.
Said Sim S. Lim, DBS Singapore Country Head, “As neighbours first, bankers second, POSB aims to build a more inclusive society by ensuring that its services are easy to use and takes into account the diverse needs of its customers. The process behind this initiative, from user experience development, testing, piloting and then finally wide-scale implementation took some 1,000 man hours. We worked closely with SAVH to ensure that for the visually handicapped, the process of using these ATMs would be as simple and easy as possible. POSB is thankful to have the opportunity to contribute towards a more inclusive society through our services.”
Said Danny Chia, Vice-President of SAVH, “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.
“It is hoped that with the example set by POSB towards making banking more seamless for the visually handicapped, other banks will follow in their footsteps. We applaud DBS for championing the rights of the visually challenged and in helping us take a step forward toward making ours a more inclusive and progressive society.”
To activate the audio instruction feature at POSB Talking ATMs, users plug their headsets into the ATM’s audio jack. This instantly activates the voice instruction feature that will guide users as they perform basic transactions such as balance enquiries or cash withdrawals. 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.
POSB has also provided a demonstration machine to SAVH. Located at SAVH’s premises, the machine will serve as a training tool to help members get acquainted with the ATM’s visually handicapped friendly functions. The bank is also working with SAVH to develop instruction manuals and train facilitators.
Interested?
Read more about POSB Talking ATMs and how to use them at posb.com.sg/talking-atms or go.dbs.com/talking-atms.
