56.
Among the feedback received from persons with visual impairments regarding
their experiences in using talking ATMs is the following example: In one instance,
the ATM displayed the message “This ATM is equipped with voice activated
functions. Please press ‘5’ to access these functions.” Imagine being a person with
a visual impairment who is trying to use this talking ATM. With no way to know
what is written on the screen or where the number 5 button is, the challenges
faced by this visually impaired individual show us that many talking ATMs do
not meet the needs of persons with visual impairments and can be difficult to use.
On April 19, 2021, the BAROC convened a meeting to collect recommendations
made by disabled persons’ organizations, such as having talking ATMs retain the
buttons for operations and add voice feedback or words in highly contrasting colors.
The BAROC requested that banks carefully consider the needs of persons with
visual impairments when installing talking ATMs, and encouraged banks to
solicit information from disabled persons’ organizations about their experiences
using talking ATMs so that they can be improved to better meet the needs of
persons with visual impairments. The NHRC will continue to follow up on
whether improvements have been made.
57.
The NHRC is aware that many domestic banks are now offering accessible online
banking services and mobile banking APPs that have been granted web
accessibility accreditation badges by the NCC 53 and meet the Guidelines for the
Development of Accessible Webpages on Mobile APPs, 54 saving persons with
disabilities (including persons with visual impairments) from the trouble of
having to go to the bank in person or ask someone to go to the bank for them.
However, many financial services are missing from the accessible online banking
platforms of these banks, preventing persons with disabilities from using them.
For example, persons with disabilities can check their bank account information
but cannot make transactions (due to risk concerns on the part of banks). Although
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54
36 domestic banks (including the Rakuten International Commercial Bank but excluding The ExportImport Bank of the Republic of China) and the Chunghwa Post Office have all been granted web
accessibility accreditation badges (2.0A or above) by the NCC for their online banking platforms.
These platforms can be used by persons with visual impairments.
The FSC urges the BAROC to help banks adjust their mobile banking apps pursuant to the Guidelines
for the Development of Accessible Webpages on Mobile APPs. 36 domestic banks (including the
Rakuten International Commercial Bank but excluding The Export-Import Bank of the Republic of
China) and the Chunghwa Post have completed said adjustments.
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