State Employees' Credit Union Upgrades ATMs for Visually Impaired

State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) announces the completion of an upgrade to their Cash Points Automated Teller Machine (ATM) network with Voice Guidance technology to benefit its visually impaired members. The upgrade, which was completed in mid-January, makes SECU the first major deployer of ATMs to convert all machines on its network -- a total of 975 no-surcharge ATMs throughout North Carolina -- with the "Text to Speech" technology. This technology provides a "talking" ATM, allowing SECU members to plug in their headphones and listen to step-by-step instructions for conducting transactions at any Cash Points ATM.

"State Employees' Credit Union's Cash Points ATMs offer a great voice guidance system that is very simple to use," said James Benton, Sr., Community Employment Specialist for the Division of Services for the Blind Serving the Governor Morehead School Transition Program states. "The technology provides visually impaired members complete and private access to account information without the assistance of a third party, which is extremely important. Having this system available through a statewide network is tremendously beneficial. There are many advocates who are blind or visually impaired who have led the way and worked tirelessly with State Employees' Credit Union to make such a network available, and their hard work is richly appreciated."

Leanne Phelps, Senior Vice-President of SECU's Card and Record Services department comments, "Since State Employees' Credit Union always strives to make services convenient for all members, the voice guidance ATMs were a logical solution. We are proud to add this service to our list of other special needs benefits, including Braille and large print statements, TDD services (a telecommunication device for the hearing impaired), web accessibility and mobility accessible vehicle loans. And, with 975 no-surcharge ATMs in North Carolina, SECU is not only providing access to all North Carolinians, but also helping the citizens of North Carolina keep money in their pockets!"