An ATM That YOU Can Use: ATM's and the ADA

'Going to the ATM' is an everyday errand for many. Since it was first introduced in the 1960's it has become an integral part of modern life. Unfortunately, this luxury is not available to all. The lack of accessibility of ATM's is an issue that persons who are blind, wheelchair users or who have other types of disabilities face everyday. This lack of accessibility causes them to have to work around limited bank hours or to rely on assistance from others which often means giving out their Private PIN's. This issue was addressed by the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act. The law addresses issues concerning the ability for a person who is blind to hear and access the information provided. It also sets requirements for lower heights, maximum depth for the setback of the machine and for there to be nothing in the way that would prevent a wheelchair user from being able to use the machine.

Since the effective date of the 2010 ADA, it has been noted that many ATM's have still not been brought into compliance.  The sad part is many of these will be allowed to continue to slip through the cracks and will continue to be inaccessible. This is in part because the Justice Department, who's job it is to enforce compliance with the ADA,  only steps in after a complaint is filed by a consumer. Unless they are forced to comply by seeing other ATM owner's bombarded with lawsuits, they probably will not comply.

 Summary of New ATM Regulations under the ADA

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