Question: Why do drive-up automated teller machines at banks have Braille numbers on the keypads? It seems they would be unnecessary because blind people do not drive.

Answer: About six years ago, banks started putting Braille numbers on those keypads and on keypads at walk-up ATMs to broaden their customer base, said Frank Synoground, the manager of the elder blind program at the Oregon Commission for the Blind in Portland. It just made good business sense, he said.

Some blind people plug their earphones into the ATMS so they can better conduct business. Many blind people, however, prefer to deal directly with tellers.

He said there are no federal or state laws requiring the Braille.

Braille numbers and letters are appearing in other places as well, said Synoground, who is blind.

There are Braille numbers outside elevator doors, inside on the elevator keypads, at hotel room entryways and outside public restrooms.

He said manufacturers are starting to install beepers inside elevators so blind people can know what floor they are on. It helps avoid confusion because some hotels do not have a 13th floor.