Written by JiJi Bahhur, Regulatory Compliance Counsel
Just a friendly reminder that the physical access and speech output requirements for ATMs go into effect March 15, 2012. The speech output requirement applies to all ATMs on March 15, 2012. The new physical access requirements apply to ATMs that are altered or added after March 15, 2012. Existing ATMs would not need to be modified to meet the new physical access requirements.
The technical requirements for both physical access and speech output can be found in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Of noted importance were the reach requirements for ATMs, which has been changed from 54” to 48”, and also, the requirements for floor space for wheelchair access, which had been altered to provide more clearance room for individuals in wheel chairs. Additionally, new ATM keypad requirements were added. Note: Drive-up ATMs are not required to comply with the reach and floor space requirements.
For compliance with the speech output requirements, ATMs will be required to have speech output enabled so that users may listen to directions via telephone headset or in a similar nature. Further, the addition of Braille instructions and tactilely discernible keys are required.
For additional information on ADA-ATM compliance, check out our August 4, 2010 and September 16, 2010 blog posts and NAFCU’s Final Regulation.
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Steve mentioned yesterday that there had not been a Letter to Federal Credit Unions issued in 2012. That changed yesterday afternoon when NCUA issued Letter to Federal Credit Unions 12-FCU-01 addressing the Operating Fees for FCUs.
Jiji,
ATM's located in commercial facilities may be exempt from compliance. For example, if XYZ Corp. Employees FCU has an ATM located within the XYZ plant that is accessible only to XYZ employees said ATM may be exempt. I strongly recommend each credit union that has an ATM in such locations get legal opinions regarding this issue.
Posted by: Robert Schwalb, Esq., NCCO | January 25, 2012 at 11:10 AM