^{Equality through Financial Inclusion} Overcoming barriers and providing equal opportunities in banking services for determined individuals

Accessible and Inclusive Banking is designed to ensure that everyone can access banking service and products regardless of difference or disability.

We’ve outlined some of the inclusive processes and tools available to address barriers in banking and to provide better customer service for People of Determination (POD).

• Hearing Loops

  Hearing Loops or audio-frequency induction loops (AFILs) are an assistive listening technology for individuals with reduced ranges of hearing. A hearing loop consists of one or more physical loop of cable which are placed around a designated area, usually a room or a building. The benefit of a hearing loop is that it allows the sound source of interest to be transmitted to the hearing-impaired listener clearly and free of other distracting noise in the environment.

• Tactile Paving

  Tactile paving is a system of textured ground surface indicators usually found on stairs and platforms, to assist individuals who are vision impaired. Much like Braille, a form of written language where raised dots are felt by the fingertips, tactile paving delivers a message about surrounding conditions through touch. Tactile paving communicates cautions and warnings or may mark areas of safety. It empowers pedestrians with visual impairment by offering a tangible way of recognizing their environment and navigating it independently.

• American Sign Language

  American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that has the same linguistic properties as spoken languages and is expressed by movements of the hands and face. ASL signs have a number of phonemic components, such as movement of the face, the torso, and the hands. ASL is a language completely separate and distinct from English. It contains all the fundamental features of language, with its own rules for pronunciation, word formation, and word order.

• Braille

  Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are visually impaired, including people who are blind, deafblind or who have low vision. It can be read either on embossed paper or by using refreshable braille displays that connect to computers and smartphone devices. Braille provides blind people with access to spelling, punctuation and other aspects of written language less accessible through audio alone.