Easy to use and available online (at this link), audio guides designed to help blind and low-vision people use ATMs and payment terminals (POS) are now rolling out across Italy.
The initiative stems from a partnership between the ABI (Italian Banking Association) and the UICI (Union of Italian Blind and Low-Vision People), aimed at creating joint projects and pilot programs for financial education and accessibility. The guides were developed in collaboration with Bancomat and the UICI's National Talking Books Center.
According to an UICI statement, «the audio guides were created to make these payment services fully accessible, with a strong commitment to inclusion, responding to customers' requests to operate independently. As banking becomes increasingly digital and reliant on multiple channels, ATMs and card payment terminals play a growing role in everyday life».
The first guide walks users through the main components of an ATM and available functions, with particular emphasis on the steps needed to withdraw cash—in line with the official Accessibility Guidelines for Bancomat® services.
The second guide explains how to use POS terminals correctly, enabling people with visual disabilities to receive payments independently.
«Banking's commitment to accessibility,» the ABI notes, «aligns with key principles in the European Accessibility Act, which is nearing finalization at the European level. We are advancing these efforts as part of our broader work to promote financial and social inclusion for all citizens». (S.B.)
Source: Superando