RALEIGH, N.C. — The $15 billion State Employees Credit Union reports that it has converted all of its almost 1,000 ATMs across the state to talking ATMs. Its “text to speech” technology allows visually impaired users to plug into the machines with headphones to hear the transaction details and instructions that other users read on screen.

“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,” said Leanne Phelps, Senior Vice-President of SECU's Card and Record Services department.

“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,” she added.

James Benton, Sr., Community Employment Specialist for the Division of Services for the Blind praised the move.

“State Employees' Credit Union's Cash Points ATMs offer a great voice guidance system that is very simple to use,” he said. “The technology provides visually impaired members complete and private access to account information without the assistance of a third party, which is extremely important.”