In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice issued Standards for Accessible Design, which included updates to the 1991 ADA standards for ATMs. All deployed ATMs must be compliant with the new requirements by March 15, 2012.

Key Points:

  • ADA compliance is mandatory
  • ATMs may require upgrades or replacement
  • ATM owners, including merchants who own their ATMs are responsible for meeting ADA requirements with each and every terminal

The 2010 ADA Standards effect both physical access and communication-related elements including the following:

  • Display Screen: For visibility from a point located 40 inches above the center of the floor in front of the ATM, characters on the screen must be in sans serif font, a minimum of 3/16 inches high, and contrast with their background.
  • Cancel Key: raised letter
  • Height and Reach: ATMs reach must equal 48 inches.
  • Voice Guidance: All ATMs must be speech enabled to service visually impaired consumers.
  • Clear or Correct Key: raised left arrow
  • Braille Instructions: Braille instructions to initiate the voice guidance feature must be provided.
  • Function Keys: Function keys must be designed to contrast visually from their background surfaces.
  • Enter or Proceed Key: raised circle
  • Clear Floor Space: The area around the machine needs to equal 48 inches by 48 inches.
  • Input Device: Input device controls must be tactually discernible, meaning key surfaces must be raised above the surrounding surfaces.
  • Add Value Key: raised plus sign
  • Decrease Value Key: raised minus sign

For more information on ADA compliance visit The Department of Justice http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/ADAregs2010.htm.