IMGCAP(1)]
NCR Corp. and Diebold India Pvt. Ltd. have agreed to work with Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged to deploy ATMs for individuals at the center who are blind or visually impaired, an official at the center tells CardLine Global. In June 2008, the Reserve Bank of India directed banks to ensure that one-third of their ATMs would be fitted with systems for consumers with disabilities, including blindness. "The ATMs are voice-aided and have a Braille keyboard," the official says. "Now it's up to the banks to take the initiative and install these machines." According to a statement, both ATM makers are testing the machines at the center, and they will use the test results for feedback purposes before final deployment. Existing ATMs also can be upgraded with voice-aided and Braille keyboards, according to the official. "The upgrade can cost anywhere between 40,000 (US$819) to 50,000 (US $1,024) rupees," he adds. NCR and Diebold did not comment on the issue to CardLine Global by its deadline.
