Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Paragraph: 34
Inconsistent accessibility for disabled customers across banking services and ATMs
Conclusion
Several banks and financial providers have innovated to make their services accessible to blind and partially sighted customers, such as issuing debit and credit cards with tactile indicators. However, this is not standard practice across the banking sector as providers continue to phase out embossed cards. We are also concerned that not all banks properly consider the needs of disabled people in the provision of ATMs.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for accessible banking services, referring to existing legal requirements for banks to make reasonable adjustments. It details ongoing industry efforts and collaborations, such as tactile payment cards, talking ATMs, and guides for electronic point-of-sale devices, indicating these measures are already in place.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Our reply We know banking and payments services must be accessible for those who are blind and partially sighted. The law says banks and card machine makers must make reasonable adjustments in the way they deliver their services to support people with visual impairments. Reasonable adjustment means they must treat people fairly and change how they do things to help you with your disability. The financial services industry has worked with the Royal National Institute for Blind People to: ● make payment services more accessible ● make payment cards usuable for visually impaired people through dot and notch features ● provide talking ATMs Talking ATMs can be used with headphones and give the customer audio instructions Electronic point-of-sale Payment devices ● write a guide about electronic point- of-sale payment devices for visually impaired individuals ● publish a list of vendors who produce approved devices.