Look at the public service needs of the blind

I WAS in Brickfields recently to meet up with a friend. On the way, I stopped at a petrol station to withdraw money from the ATM there.

While waiting in the queue, I saw two blind persons at the ATM who were being assisted by their friend. But the friend seemed to be having difficulties with his vision as well.

Ten minutes went by and the friend/assistant was still struggling at the machine so I asked if I could help. The collective answer was no.

After another 10 minutes, I again offered to help. This time, I told them I would hold the hand of the person who wanted to withdraw money so that he could key in the PIN himself.

I said I would also read to them the details appearing on the ATM screen. They agreed, and after withdrawing their money, they thanked me and went off.

I wasn’t offended or upset when they refused my first offer to help. Even with vision, I myself have been cheated so I can imagine the plight of the blind.

In fact, one person in the queue said to me with a smile: “Isn’t it scary that they withdraw money by themselves without seeing?”

Another said: “Well, in European countries, they have incorporated the Braille system in their ATM so blind people could withdraw money independently. There’s also an article about blind-friendly ATM software system.”

That made me wonder if we actually have any ATM or other machines that are friendly to the blind and whether their needs and comforts are considered when it comes to public facilities.

I sincerely hope banks and other providers of services, both public and private, would look into this matter and help the blind to be more independent. DR M Seri Kembangan, Selangor