Bank of America today announced that its first 15 talking ATMs, of the 1,600 the bank will put in California, are now operating. The first cities to receive the machines are: San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Westminster, Berkeley, Oakland, Woodland Hills and West Covina. (Exact locations are listed below.)

Talking ATMs provide audible instructions to persons who cannot view information on an ATM screen. These machines make it easier for blind users to withdraw cash, deposit money and perform other transactions. The ATMs have audio jacks that deliver spoken instructions privately to protect the security of blind and low-vision users.

Bank of America, in conjunction with the California Council of the Blind and several blind individuals, announced its decision in March to install talking ATMs at each ATM location throughout its national ATM network. Over the next three years, more than 2,500 talking ATMs will be installed in California and Florida -- the first states to get the machines.

"In addition to serving our blind or low-vision customers with talking ATMs, we are striving to make printed information, such as bank statements available in alternative formats and we are working towards making our website accessible to persons with vision impairments," said Bill Raymond, manager, ATM Channel Strategies and Development. "We consider these steps integral to our commitment to serving this community."

"Today Bank of America continues its leadership role in providing accessible services to the blind community," said Catherine Skivers, president, California Council of the Blind, an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind. "We congratulate Bank of America on bringing these talking ATMs on line so quickly."

For more information about talking ATMs, customers may contact Bank of America at 1-800-ENABLEU for assistance.

Bank of America, with $656 billion in assets, is the largest bank in the United States. It has full-service operations in 21 states and the District of Columbia and provides financial products and services to 30 million households and two million businesses, as well as providing international corporate financial services for business transactions in 190 countries.

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