RALEIGH, N.C. — The $15 billion State Employees Credit Union hasreported that it has converted all of its almost 1,000 ATMs acrossthe state to talking ATMs.

The “text to speech” technology in question allows visuallyimpaired users to plug into the machines with headphones to hearthe transaction details and instructions that other users read onscreen.

“Since State Employees' Credit Union always strives to makeservices convenient for all members, the voice- guidance ATMs werea logical solution. We are proud to add this service to our list ofother special needs benefits, including Braille and large printstatements, TDD services (a telecommunication device for thehearing impaired), web accessibility, and mobility accessiblevehicle loans,” said Leanne Phelps, senior vice-resident of SECU'sCard and Record Services department.

“With 975 no-surcharge ATMs in North Carolina, SECU is not onlyproviding access to all North Carolinians, but also helping thecitizens of North Carolina keep money in their pockets,” sheadded.

James Benton, Sr., community employment specialist for theDivision of Services for the Blind praised the move.

“State Employees' Credit Union's Cash Points ATMs offer a greatvoice guidance system that is very simple to use. The technologyprovides visually impaired members complete and private access toaccount information without the assistance of a third party, whichis extremely important.”