Bank of Ireland becomes the first Irish bank to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Bank of Ireland is the first Irish bank to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, with all 182 of its branches across Ireland and Northern Ireland now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. Additionally, the bank has extended its JAM Card partnership.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool that allows people to voluntarily share that they have a “non-visible” disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent to others. Those availing of the service can wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or pin to indicate that they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in Bank of Ireland branches. Bank of Ireland branch colleagues are trained to identify the Sunflower, ensuring additional support can be provided when required.
The JAM Card is another discreet way to let others know that you need ‘Just A Minute’ of patience and support, with Bank of Ireland becoming JAM card-friendly in July 2020.
Customers can show their JAM Card in branches to let a member of staff know they need a little extra time or assistance when doing their banking, and all Bank of Ireland branch teams have been trained to recognise Sunflower and JAM symbols.
In addition to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Jam Card initiatives, Bank of Ireland has introduced a broader programme of customer accessibility enhancements, including accessible ATMs, simpler customer communications, improvements to websites and mobile apps, and new supports for customers with hearing impairments. These changes are part of a wide range of accessibility improvements being carried out across the Bank as the European Accessibility Act comes into effect.
Áine McCleary, Chief Customer Officer, Bank of Ireland, said:
“Providing an accessible and welcoming banking experience for all our customers is a priority, and I am delighted that we are the first Irish bank to become Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly., We also recognise the JAM Card across our entire network, and are installing 650 new accessible ATMs between now and the end of 2027. We’ve improved our supports for customers who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties through an on-demand sign language video interpretation service, SignVideo. These initiatives help remove barriers that some customers encounter daily, and we will continue working to provide inclusive banking services across our entire customer base.”
Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“We are delighted to have worked with Bank of Ireland to ensure all their branches are now Hidden Disabilities Sunflower friendly. I want to recognise the continuing steps the Bank is taking to provide an inclusive banking experience for all of its customers.”