ATM
When Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or Point Of Sale terminal (POS) are selected as a distribution/delivering mechanism for cash transfer or vouchers, it is important to make sure that they exist within a reasonable distance from where people live. Choose an ATM or POS that are accessible to persons with disabilities and older people.
Make sure to:
- Make sure that instructions of use of the ATM is provided in accessible, easy-to-read format, with pictures and in oral instructions.
- ATM often requires a PIN code; consider that some persons with intellectual impairments or mental health conditions and some older persons can have difficulties to remember codes. Design a safe system for them to keep their codes private, either by writing down or informing a trusted person designated by the person him/herself.
- Women with disabilities might face additional risks when collecting cash at an ATM or POS terminals due to stigma and prejudice. Support women to organise themselves if they are living alone or as head of households or organise specific days which are supervised to make sure they can safely collect their transfers.
- Pay attention to the requirements of blind persons or those with visual problems as many ATM machines are not accessible to them, they might need an external assistance (hyperlink to personal assistant) to collect the cash or the voucher. This concerns also many older people.
- Directly assist persons that cannot access ATM or POS terminals by themselves. If individual support is not possible, introduce and formalise a system for appointing and authorising a trusted person to collect the cash, for example signing ‘power of attorney’ agreements with a trusted person who can access the cash in their place.
- Ensure that safe, accessible and affordable transportation to reach ATMs are available for persons with disabilities and older people who have limited mobility.