UAE to have first ATM for persons with special needs

Sharjah: By 2008, the UAE will have the first automated teller machines (ATM) network for people with special needs in the Middle East.
The service that targets persons in wheelchairs would be the first of its kind in the region, said Mohammad Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), which will head the project.
''It is part of the SIB's tireless efforts to offer innovative banking solutions to all groups in the community including the people with special needs,'' he added.
He said that a study has been launched to make the service user-friendly; taking into consideration all banking and safety requirements of persons using wheelchairs.
Qasim Al Balouchi, SIB head of communications, said design of the specially-tailored ATM had been finalised and manufacturing is on.
He added that wheel chaired clients can make all banking operations customised on the ATM from cash withdrawal and deposit, printing out banking statements, paying bills of telephone, water and electricity services, and charity donations to money transfer.