Monday, April 17, 2006

Why is there Braille on the drive-up ATM machines?

Turners Falls, Massachusetts So, I've heard they have braille on drive up ATM buttons. To myself I've questioned, No way, really? To which this Greenfield Savings Bank 24-Hour drive-up ATM provided the answer. Yes, there really is braille on the buttons! But why? Because the dogs are too short? That couldn't be it! Great Dane's are huge! Then what is the reason? By the power of the Internets I discovered the boring, unfunny truth. According to section 4.34.4 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (Appendix to Part 1191, 36 CFR Chapter XI, issued pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) says, "Instructions and all information for use [of an automated teller machine] shall be made accessible to and independently usable by persons with vision impairments." There is no exception provided for drive-ups. But if you look closely, the buttons may have Braille but how do they read the screen?! I haven't found a definitive answer to it - apparently there isn't an industry standard on this, but some machines have earphone jacks and some banks offer brochures or audiotapes that outline the questions.

No comments: