issue a letter to The Bankers Association of the Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the BAROC) to inform all banks to provide such services and tally the number bank branches providing such services, in order to improve financial services for persons with disabilities. The NHRC will continue to follow up on whether improvements have been made. 55. The NHRC found that as of 2019, only 1,244 50 ATMs met the criteria for providing services to persons with visual impairments nationwide. This only accounts for 3.98% of all ATMs available in Taiwan (31,216 51 ), revealing a markedly insignificant number of such ATMs. Although the FSC advised banks to prioritize the addition of talking ATMs (that meet the criteria for providing services to persons with visual impairments) and replacing old ATMs with talking ATMs, banks have yet to propose specific talking ATM installation schedules because in their view the installation is not cost-effective and usage rates are too low. Additionally, despite persons with visual impairments being able to locate talking ATMs by clicking the “Accessible Services” on the BAROC website, gaining access to the ATMs is in itself a challenging task. Accordingly, on April 19, 2021, the BAROC invited organizations of persons with disabilities and representatives of financial institutions to plan talking ATM installation schedules52 to replace old ATMs with talking ATMs in locations where ATMs are most urgently needed by persons with visual impairments; namely, in county/city government agencies, universities, and train stations. Because public transportation is more accessible in these locations and oversight by the competent government authorities should result in a generally more accessible environment, it is easier for persons with visual impairments to access talking ATMs in such locations. The BAROC was asked to explain the above in regular meetings hosted by disabled persons’ organizations. The NHRC will continue to follow up on whether the ATMs have been installed. 50 51 52 Statistical data provided by the FSC in a response letter to the NHRC. Statistics on ATMs Installed in Financial Institutions, compiled by the FSC. On April 19, 2021, the BAROC invited disabled persons’ organizations and representatives from financial institutions to plan talking ATM installation schedules: In the short term (1 year), ATMs in county/city government agencies nationwide will be replaced by talking ATMs. In the medium term (3 years), ATMs in universities will be replaced by talking ATMs. In the long term (5 years), ATMs in Level 1 train stations and regional hospitals will be replaced by talking ATMs. 42