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Availability of Synthesized Speech Helps to Ensure Accessibility for All Users
PEABODY, Mass.
– ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), a global leader in speech and imaging
solutions, and Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), a global leader in providing
integrated self-service and security solutions and an innovator in ensuring
accessibility at automated teller machines, have entered into a new relationship
that will provide speech-enabled ATMs across the United States.
The multiple locations of
automated teller machines (ATMs) are the key to their convenience. From hotels
and restaurants to convenience stores and airports, consumers can access their
bank accounts to perform virtually any banking function from anywhere in the
world. But accessibility isn’t always as easy for people with visual
impairments. According to the World Health Organization, more than 180 million
people across the globe are blind or have other visual impairments, and this
population has expanded more than 50 percent during the last decade. While many
banks provide Braille features on their ATMs, only 9 percent of the blind
population actively reads Braille. Current guidelines set forth by the
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliant Board, pursuant to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), require speech output to enhance efforts
to make ATMs more accessible for people with visual impairments.
By leveraging ScanSoft®
RealSpeak™ text-to-speech (TTS) technology, Diebold can provide an unmatched
level of accessibility at the ATM. The technology guides visually impaired
users through transactions with an easy-to-understand, natural-sounding voice,
enabling them to quickly complete transactions with increased ease and fewer
errors. ScanSoft RealSpeak helps users navigate their transactions – from
simple requests such as account balance information to deposits and cash
withdrawals – and alerts ATM users to any errors that may have occurred during
the transaction.
ScanSoft is yet another
enhancement to Diebold advanced-function ATMs. Diebold’s Opteva family of ATMs,
which was launched in 2003, is the most accessible in the financial industry.
Through its work with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind
(NFB), Diebold has engineered design elements that ensure accessibility for
people with various disabilities. In addition to text-to-speech capabilities,
Diebold’s Opteva ATMs also include accessibility features such as a more
consistent transaction flow, pronounced bezels for card readers and headphone
jacks, a single-style keypad that provides consistency across the entire line of
ATMs and grouping of primary and secondary transaction functions.
Diebold’s Opteva ATMs are
powered by Agilis®, Diebold’s open software platform that delivers high
performance and maximum flexibility. A multi-vendor software solution, Agilis
supports a wide variety of languages. By joining ScanSoft with Agilis,
text-to-speech capabilities can be provided in up to six languages on a single
ATM.
“At Diebold, we have always
been and will remain committed to delivering self-service solutions that provide
convenience, security and accessibility to all users,” said Danny O’Brien,
senior vice president of global product marketing for Diebold. “ScanSoft offers
the highest-quality product with the most flexibility. This premium voice
engine is an important part of our solutions, and it will help us exceed
accessibility requirements. Speech brings an important human element to our
ATMs, and it enhances the many accessibility features we already provide to the
consumer.”
ScanSoft is a leading
supplier of applications and developer toolkits based on speech recognition and
text-to-speech technologies. These technologies empower individuals with all
types of disabilities by providing them with alternative natural interface
methods, from hands-free PC dictation and command and control for those with
physical disabilities to solutions such as screen readers for students with
learning disabilities or individuals with visual impairments.
Both Diebold and ScanSoft
have worked with the NFB during the development of their products. Dr. Marc
Maurer, president of the NFB, said it is important for all product manufacturers
to consider the needs of people who are blind when developing products and
services.
“Not all blind individuals
can read Braille,” Maurer explained. “That is why, without a speech component,
an ATM is not truly accessible to the blind. Diebold is an industry leader in
deploying voice-guidance technology in the ATM, and those banks that opt for
ScanSoft RealSpeak will be providing their customers with a superior
text-to-speech product.”
About ScanSoft
ScanSoft, Inc., (Nasdaq:
SSFT) is a global leader of speech and imaging solutions that are used to
automate a wide range of manual processes – saving time, increasing worker
productivity and improving customer service. For more information about
ScanSoft® products and technologies, please visit www.scansoft.com.
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a
global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems, security
and services. Diebold employs more than 14,000 associates with representation
in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio,
USA. Diebold reported revenue of $2.4 billion in 2004 and is publicly traded on
the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “DBD.” For more information, visit
the company’s Web site at www.diebold.com.
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