Hi -
I find this really annoying.  I can't say much about specific machines or
banks, but generally when I try to use machines it can't work because the e
same machine doesn't even use the same keys for the same functions all the
time, so you can't even memorise what to do.  I rely on a stranger's help or
get cash back too.  I bank with Midland.

Catherine

Peter Seymour wrote:

> I bank with PNC in Hoboken N.J. as PNC recently took over Midlantic bank.
>
> I haven't compared many ATMs, but my PNC bank has an awkward lay-out.
> Firstly, the number pad is flush with the surface of the surrounding
> surface, and the buttons are not easily distinguished from each other.
> There is braille next to, not on top of, the buttons. The purpose of the
> braille is to show the arrangement of the buttons, which are to the left
> of the braille. All that the braille does is to show that the lay-out of
> the buttons is just like a telephone keypad. Isn't that useful?
>
> There are no audio prompts, so to take out cash by myself, I'd have to
> remember the sequence of questions and instructions that appear on the
> screen. Some of my responses have to be entered on the difficult keypad
> mentioned above, and other responses have to be entered by pressing
> buttons by the computer screen. In going back and forth between the two
> panels of buttons, I may take too long to orient myself, and a screen may
> appear asking if I need more time. Of course, I can't read that screen and
> my sequence of eight or so responses will be thrown off.
>
> I realized that trying to do this would be rediculous, so I don't bother.
> I recruit a stranger to help me out.
>
> One of the first screens asks if I want to proceed in English or Spanish.
> It's interesting that, in America, an English speaking blind person is at
> a greater disadvantage than a sighted person who can't read English. Would
> I be better off regaining my sight and moving to Costa Rica than staying
> blind and living in my homeland?
>
> Interestingly, PNC has a very good telebanking system. I often dial up and
> navagate the menu choices without a problem. There's even a live person
> available, 24 hours a day, and the menu doesn't offer a Spanish
> alternative.
>
> PNC knows, from its telebanking system, that it is easy to serve the
> blind, and they probably don't think of it as an accommodation because it
> is designed for ease of use by everybody. Give the public the option of
> looking at a computer screen, and suddenly the bank gets all confused as
> how to "accommodate" the blind customer.
>
> If the bank would simply install a customer service telephone at its ATMs,
> which I have found at other banks, I could use its ATM with no problem, so
> long as I can keep my fingers on the telephone keypad and listen to
> prompts through the handset.
>
> I'm sure that this is not much of a technical feat. It just requires
> designers to not be so sight-biased.
>
> Until the revolution comes, I accommodate by transacting through a live
> teller, or recruiting a stranger from the ATM line, or getting cash back
> from the super market. All of these options involve human interaction,
> which is kind of quaint in this computer age, but it is kind of nice in
> its own way.
>
> Peter Seymour
>
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[log in to unmask]  In the body of the message, simply type
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