Achieving the Maximum Accessibility - GRGBanking ATMs Are Always Your Friendly Tools

The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which came into force in 2019 and will fully apply by 2025, sets new legal requirements to ensure that key products and services, including ATMs, are accessible to people with disabilities across the European Union. This legislation reflects the EU’s broader commitment to improving accessibility, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

As EAA’s execution date is closing, more and more discussions and concerns start to surround us. But to GRGBanking, ATM accessibility is not a new topic and challenge. As a pioneering ATM vendor who always commit to machine accessibility and inclusivity, it is crucial to understand the legal and social imperatives driving the  EAA.

The EAA mandates that products and services should be designed to be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. It specifically targets areas such as:

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to penalties and exclusion from the EU market, making it imperative for manufacturers to align with these standards.

Accessibility goes beyond mere compliance; it is about understanding the real-world challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. For instance, people with visual impairments may struggle to read ATM screens or use traditional card slots, while those with limited mobility might find it hard to reach certain components of the machine. Ensuring that ATM interfaces are compatible with screen readers, have tactile keypads, and offer audio support is vital for users with visual impairments. Similarly, wheelchair accessibility, appropriate screen and touch point height, and reachable card and cash slots/shutters are essential for those with mobility impairments.

At GRGBanking, we see accessibility not just as a legal requirement but as a fundamental principle of design. Having more than 20 years experience in banking solution provision, we already supply ATMs that are inclusive and that provide equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

In response to the EAA, we have undertaken significant efforts to design ATMs that cater to a diverse range of users. Our approach is guided by the following principles with relevant actions and preparations:

1. Inclusive Interface Design: We have redesigned our ATM interfaces to support users with visual impairments by implementing:

• Tactile Keypads:  Raised, distinguishable keys for easy identification.
• Audio Navigation: Voice guidance to assist visually impaired users in completing transactions independently.
• High Contrast Displays Reachable Touch Points: Optimized screen readability with “One click Friendly Switch”, adjustable UI to contrast and font sizes for all users.

2.  Physical Accessibility: Our ATMs are designed to be easily accessible to wheelchair users by ensuring:

• Reachability:  All essential components, such as card slots, keypads, and cash  slots/shutters, are within reach for users seated in wheelchairs.
• Ergonomics:  The touch points height support different options for easier viewing and interaction, catering to users with limited mobility.

3.  Multi-method Recognition: To assist users with hearing or deaf-mute impairments, we have incorporated multi-recognition communication systems:

• Face/Fingerprint/Finger Vein/Palm Print and Palm Vein:  Multiple options of recognition technologies that provide real-time confirmation of transactions.
• Sign Language Recognition:Special hand and finger gesture recognition enhances KYC friendliness.

4. Assistive Technology Compatibility: Our ATMs are capable to integrate with personal assistive devices such as hearing aids and screen readers, allowing seamless interaction for people with sensory disabilities.

5. Continuous Improvement and Future Plans: Compliance with the EAA is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. GRGBanking constantly evaluates user feedback and conducts accessibility audits to refine our designs. Additionally, we are exploring new technologies, such as voice-activated transactions and gesture-based interfaces, to further enhance usability for people with disabilities.