The Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), a support and advocacy unit within St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, has worked closely with the banking sector and has interfaced actively with Diebold, one of the largest ATM manufacturers in India, to create standards which shall make ATMs accessible for visually challenged users.

Diebold is now ready for testing the ATMs at the XRCVC. These test results will be used for feedback purposes and up-scaling into final deployment.

Key features that Diebold has designed into its ATMs in support of Diebold's global initiatives targeted toward enhancing the usability and accessibility of its products for the visually and physically challenged:

• Incorporation of American Disabilities Act (ADA) wheelchair accessibility standards
• Large display for users with partial vision
• Braille-enabled function keys and guide labels for other functionalities including card reader, receipt, cash dispenser, depositor
• Bunch cash presenter for ease in collecting cash
• Personalized headphone jack with voice control features
• Voice guidance for ease of transactions
• Integrated digital video recorder for enhanced security
• Ergonomically designed for easy accessibility

Dr. Sam Taraporevala, director, XRCVC, said: "It is a well-known fact that ATMs today have increased convenience banking for the able-bodied customers. For the same effect to take place involving disabled people, ATMs will need to scale to meet accessibility standards. The ATM industry, as well as the banking industry all over the world, has made accessibility an inherent part of its production and deployment. We are happy that Diebold has invested its time and technology by taking this leadership initiative in the ATM industry."

Naresh Hosangady, managing director, Diebold India, said "Diebold has been providing innovative solutions to the Indian an ATM industry and we will continue to introduce newer technologies and solutions for the Indian banking industry. We are delighted to be associated with XRCVC to extend technological benefits for the 'specially abled'. We are proud to offer ATMs for the specially abled and are looking at deployments across India per banks requirements."

Access to financial services has become a key criterion to independent living in the rapidly globalising world. In the last couple of years people with disabilities in India have seen forward-looking legislations at the central government level and the banking industry in their favour.

The Reserve Bank of India through its circulars in June 2008, "Banking Facilities for the Visually Challenged," and the circular on 13th April 2009, "Need for Bank Branches/ATMs to be made accessible to persons with disabilities," has made its commitment to the disabled population of India for financial accessibility.