The program will include the installation of Talking ATMs and greater accessibility to printed materials.

The bank will begin installing Talking ATMs in less than nine months. Hundreds of TCF banking locations will have the devices by the end of next year. Talking ATMs, which deliver audio information privately through any standard personal headset, make it possible for persons who are blind or who otherwise have difficulty reading an ATM screen to use the ATM independently.

In addition to Talking ATMs, TCF will enhance its current programs for communicating with customers with visual impairments. The bank will provide monthly bank statements for consumer accounts in Braille and large print, and will adopt a policy for ensuring effective communication of other banking documents.

TCF announced today's initiatives as part of a collaboration with the Illinois Council of the Blind (ICB) and Equip for Equality, an Illinois disability advocacy organization. TCF's program was praised by Camille Caffarelli, Project Liaison for ICB: "We congratulate TCF Bank for its commitment to improving accessibility for people who are blind and visually impaired. We know that customers throughout TCF's service area will appreciate and benefit from today's announcement." Amy F. Peterson, senior attorney at Equip for Equality said, "We commend TCF Bank for embracing the use of accessible technology to positively impact the daily lives of people with disabilities."

"At TCF, our goal is to build trusting relationships with our customers and communities offering a suite of convenient products and services," said Jason Korstange, Director of Corporate Communications. "As a Leader in Convenience Banking, we believe providing services such as Talking ATMs is an important step toward meeting the needs of customers with visual impairments."