[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Citibank Korea (CEO Yung-ku Ha, www.citibank.co.kr) announced the introduction of ATMs for wheelchair users in accordance with the “CD/ATM Standards for Persons with Disabilities.” The ATMs are supplied by Chungho ComNet, and will be installed and operated in three branches to begin with.

In 2010, Citibank Korea completed the application of voice guidance services (for persons who are blind) and screen expansion services (for persons with low vision) in all branch ATMs. With the recent introduction of the ATMs for wheelchair users, Citibank Korea will now have full compliance with the “CD/ATM Standards for Persons with Disabilities” established by the Committee on Financial Informatization Promotion (BOK).

With the new ATM, persons with disabilities can now use ATMs with much more convenience. A wheelchair user can use the new ATM from both the front and side of the machine, and improvements were made so that wheelchair users, persons with visual impairments and people in general can all easily use the ATM.

The ATM for wheelchair users will first be installed in the ATM corner on the first floor of Citibank Korea headquarters in Da-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, and then will be installed in two more branches for the initial phase. Citibank Korea noted that “the first three ATMs will be used as pilot tests for constant improvement of ATMs so as to provide higher convenience to persons with disabilities,” and added that “the installment of these ATMs will gradually be extended to more branches so that all Citibank ATM users have no difficulty in using the bank’s services”