ADA Compliance Guidelines for ATM Machines

    Effective March 12, 2012 you can receive a $55,000 fine per ATM machine in your portfolio if you are not in compliance with the 2010 American Disabilities Act(ADA)  effect on the Independent ATM Deployer(IAD).  Do not worry, we have provided you with all the information you need to ensure that this does not happen to you.

The First Step is to identify which ATM machines in your portfolio are not in compliance already.  The good news is that a majority of the ATMs in the field are already or pretty close to being ADA compliant due to manufactures making the necessary upgrades many years ago on all newer machines.   The following charts is very helpful:

When it comes to the new ADA regulations, compliance standards appear to be divided into (but not exclusive to) two main parts: physical access and communication.

Physical access

The majority of IADs likely already have ATMs compliant with physical access.  However, IADs still need to evaluate the following in each location to ensure their ATMs are either already compliant or if they require possible changes or upgrades.

• Height and Reach. The controls for the ATM machine need to be within reach ranges, including a height not exceeding 48 inches and no lower than 15 inches.

• Accessibility. The ATM must be accessible based on earlier guidelines for buildings and facilities and will need to be free from obstructions.

• Floor Space. The space around an ATM needs to be sufficient, excluding drive-up ATMs. Clear floor or ground space needs to be 48 inches out from the ATM and 30 inches wide. 

Communication

Most of the new ADA requirements are focused on communication. Therefore, more attention will need to be directed toward the following communications elements on your ATMs.

• Speech. ATMs need to be speech enabled to assist individuals with vision impairments.

• Input Controls. Controls need to be tactilely discernible for each function.

• Numeric Keys. The number keypads need to be arranged in 12-key ascending or descending telephone keypad layout.

• Function Keys. Function keys will need to contrast visually from background surfaces.

• Display Screen. The display screen needs to be visible 40 inches above the floor space.

• Braille. Braille instructions to begin speech mode will need to be included.

 If you are interested in ATM Processing, ATM Sales, ATM Equipment, ATM technical support, or an ATM placement for your location then please email ryan@pacificatms.com.   We look forward to working with you and providing all of your ATM business services.