For 80 per cent of the public getting cash out from a cash machine is the fastest and most convenient way to obtain cash. This still isn't the case for the vast majority of blind and partially sighted people.
Our 'Make money talk' report, published in September 2011, kicks off a campaign to make Britain's cash machines accessible to blind and partially sighted people.
You can support our campaign by complaining to your bank.
Financial exclusion
Lack of a simple audio alternative to the display screen is a major problem forcing many blind and partially sighted people to:
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make arrangements with friends to help them use cash machines
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find a stranger to read out loud what the cash machine is displaying
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get cash out from a branch during opening hours whilst walking past fully functional but not accessible cash machines
These compromises eat away at personal independence and privacy, they take extra time and leave people without the same choice of banking services as everyone else.
"I'm afraid to say that I have had to suffer the complete and utter indignity of having to ask strangers to help me use cash machines." - Paul
In America, Paul would not suffer any indignity because he could use one in four cash machines! Banks include audio facilities as an alternative to the screen display in the USA.
"I used to just do all the normal stuff. But since losing my sight it's a different story. I've had to ask total strangers to withdraw money for me." - James
Good news: James now benefits from Northern Bank's move to roll out talking cash machines. He says: "Talking ATMs make me totally independent."
If Northern Bank can do it surely every bank can do it?
Listen to a talking cash machine
Check out
Talking cash machine audio to hear a demonstration and discussion.