Remote Deposit Accessibility

Remote deposit capture is a convenient way to deposit checks, but can present challenges to people with a vision impairment or low vision. With some planning and assistive technology, those with visual impairments can deposit checks reliably and independently. The following tips for preparing and capturing photos of checks are taken from A Guide to Using Mobile Check Deposit by the American Foundation for the Blind.

Prepare the Check

To prepare the check for mobile deposit, you'll need to determine the orientation of the check, read the amount of the check, and sign the check. 

• Determine the check orientation – You can determine the orientation of the check using a text scanning app. For iOS, there is Prizmo Go, which converts printed text to digital text. There is an Orientation Detection button at the top of the main Prizmo Go screen. When Orientation Detection is set to off, the app will only read text when it is right-side up. Another option is KNFB Reader, a mobile app for iOS, Android, and Windows, which converts text to speech or text to Braille. When your document is upside down, KNFB Reader announces "the page is upside down." The version that is included as part of the free NFB Newsline app will not read anything when the document is upside down.
• Read the amount of the check – A text scanning app like those mentioned above can also help you determine the amount on the check. To read text on handwritten checks, you can use Seeing AI for iOS, a talking camera app that uses AI to describe nearby people, text and objects, including handwritten text.
• Sign the check – Once you determine the orientation and have the check right-side up, turn it over by flipping it on the long edge. The endorsement field will be on the left. Sign the check on a slightly soft surface so you can feel the impression made by the pen. This can also help you keep track of check orientation during the scanning process.

Capture the Check

Narmi's mobile app features auto-capture. With auto-capture, the app can detect when all four corners are visible, properly lit, and in focus. Auto-capture provides real-time on-screen feedback to help you position the camera until a suitable image is detected, at which point it automatically captures the image. Just like the other elements on the screen, feedback can be read by a screen reader, such as VoiceOver for iOS or TalkBack for Android. Some examples of feedback are "Move closer to check" or "Center a document on a dark background."  

When capturing check images, use a non-reflective dark surface, preferably black. If you don't have a piece of black paper or a dark table, try a dark tablecloth, placemat, or even a chair cushion. Another consideration is good lighting. Make sure your primary source of light is strong and coming from a direction that is not going to cast any significant shadows, such as from directly above you. During the daytime, try placing the check on a dark surface in front of a window.

To scan the check from our mobile app with the assistance of a screen reader:

1. From the main screen, swipe until you hear "any deposit tab button" and double-tap to open the "Check deposit" page. Note: You can select the deposit account and enter the amount before or after taking photos of the check, but for these instructions, we'll do it after.
2. Swipe until you hear "front" and double-tap to begin the capture process for the front of the check. The app automatically changes to camera mode in landscape orientation. Your screen reader says "landscape" and asks you to center the check. 
3. Orient your phone so that its long axis is parallel with the long axis of the check. If the check is face down, the screen reader asks you to use the front of the check.
4. Place your phone on the check with the phone's camera in the exact center. Then, using both hands, raise the phone very slowly, taking care to keep it level and raise it straight up. When the entire check is visible to the app, the photo is taken. When the photo has been taken successfully, your screen reader says "Success." The app automatically switches to camera mode for the back of the check.
5. Flip the check and position the camera as you did with the front of the check. Raise your phone very slowly, until the auto-capture feature takes the picture. If you have not flipped the check, your screen reader says "flip the check."
6. Once the back photo is taken, you are automatically be returned to the "Check deposit" screen to select a deposit account and enter the amount of the check. Swipe until you hear "deposit to select account" and double-tap. Swipe until you hear the account you'd like to deposit the check to, and double-tap.
7. Swipe until you hear "enter amount" and double-tap. A number pad opens on the bottom of the screen. Enter the amount of the check.
8. Swipe until you hear "deposit" and double-tap. A deposit receipt automatically appears with a summary and expected availability. 
9. Swipe until you hear "done" and double-tap to finish. Or, if you would like to deposit another check, swipe until you hear "make another deposit." The account you used for the previous deposit is automatically selected for subsequent deposits.

If you scan a lot of checks, you might want to invest in a phone or tablet stand with an integrated check alignment accessory. The LV Tablet Stand with Check Scan Accessory is one option for frequent online deposit check scanning and other scanning needs.