Features for the Sight-Impaired Become Standard Equipment; Customers Can Select Phase-In Option
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the world's leading supplier of self-service solutions, has announced plans to build all NCR Personas ATMs shipped to the United States with private audio capability, effective on all new orders as of August 2001. This capability enables ATM access to individuals with sight disabilities or literacy difficulties by using voice cues instead of the traditional read screens.High performance audio, private audio enablement and media indicators will be featured on all new NCR Personas ATMs shipped to the U.S. Typically, manufacturers only offer these capabilities as add-on options. Retrofit kits will also be available for several models currently in the market, allowing customers to phase in this technology across the self-service network.
Brad Lozier, vice president of NCR's Financial Solutions Division, Americas region, said, "NCR has been eager to deliver these hardware features across our Personas ATM line. Now that the U.S. regulatory requirements are firming up, we felt this was the right time to provide this simplified offer to our customers. By doing so, NCR simultaneously demonstrates our support for ATM users with sight impairments, as well as making the deployment of these features easy for institutions buying NCR Personas ATMs."
To activate, customers must install NCR software and pre-recorded audio files that correspond to each screen. These audio files, played through the private audio jack on the fascia of the ATM, allow the user to listen privately to voice-cued instructions while conducting the ATM transaction. All standard RCA-style headphone plugs are compatible. In addition, NCR's media indicator lights provide bright green flashing light next to the various components of the Personas ATM currently in use.
"NCR's media indicator lights go one step beyond the anticipated regulations. We did this to provide a more efficient ATM interaction for ATM users who may have limited peripheral vision or hearing impairments," said Lozier.
Jay Steitly, spokesperson for the American Foundation for the Blind, said, "Making private audio a standard component of the ATM offers a means for faster adoption of technologies that can greatly assist individuals with disabilities. The American Foundation for the Blind applauds NCR for taking this leadership position."
Outside the United States, where different regulatory requirements exist, NCR will continue to provide these private audio components as optional features.
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in providing Relationship Technology(TM) solutions to customers worldwide. NCR's Relationship Technology solutions include the Teradata(R) database and analytical applications for customer relationship management (CRM) and business performance management, store automation systems and automated teller machines (ATMs). The company's business solutions are built on the foundation of its long-established industry knowledge and consulting expertise, value-adding software, global customer support services, a complete line of consumable and media products, and leading edge hardware technology. NCR employs 33,200 in more than 100 countries, and is a component stock of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. More information about NCR and its solutions may be found at www.ncr.com .
NCR and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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SOURCE NCR Corporation
CONTACT: Lorraine Russell of NCR Corporation, 937-445-3784, or
lorraine.russell@ncr.com