BANKING customers in Fermanagh who experience communication difficulties can now use new visual cards to help them access services and explain their needs more easily.
Bank of Ireland has introduced Speak Easy Cards across its branch network, including in Fermanagh, as part of efforts to improve accessibility and support customers who may find face-to-face communication challenging.
The cards use simple images, colours and commonly used phrases to help customers communicate requests such as checking an account balance, replacing a debit card, accessing online banking support or asking for additional assistance.
Customers can select the relevant card and show it to a member of branch staff to begin a conversation. The initiative comes amid growing awareness of the barriers some people can face when accessing everyday services.
More than 300,000 adults in Northern Ireland are living with hearing loss, while almost one in four people report having a long-term health condition or disability.
George Higginson, Managing Director of Everyday Banking at Bank of Ireland UK, said the cards could help make banking more accessible and less overwhelming for some customers.
“For many people, asking to check a balance, replace a card or request support is straightforward, however for some customers, communicating those needs can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming,” he said.
“Speak Easy Cards provide a simple but effective way for customers to tell us what they need, helping remove barriers and enabling more confident and independent banking.”
The cards were originally developed by Nationwide Building Society with input from the Stroke Association and the British Institute for Learning Disabilities.
They form part of a wider range of accessibility measures available through Bank of Ireland, including hearing loops, sign language video services and alternative formats such as Braille, large print and audio documents.