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Bank of America announces its continued commitment toward
serving its visually impaired customers
January 30, 2004
For immediate release
WASHINGTON, D.C. Bank of America Accessible Banking™ announced today
enhancements made to the company’s web site to help ensure greater access
choices for all customers. Following W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines,
the Bank of America web site offers increased accessibility for users of
assisted technology such as screen readers and those who access financial
information from web-enabled cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
“We are listening to all of our customers to learn the best ways of helping
them do business with us,” said Annette Kellermann, Accessible Banking program
manager. “For example, we have made web site improvements as well as implemented
improvements to how we service customers with disabilities after receiving
feedback from one of our valued local customers who is visually impaired. We
realize that financial independence is as much about access as it is about
money.”
After sharing an experience she had while trying to gain access to her safe
deposit box, Bank of America customer Doris Walker and her guardian, Andrea
Sloan, R.N., Esq., noted that more information and guidance was needed for bank
associates to better serve customers with vision impairments. Bank of America
responded by providing additional training for its associates in the Northeast
Washington, D.C., region.
“We are committed to meeting our customers’ needs and appreciate this issue
being brought to our attention," said Kellermann. "From Talking ATMs, to Braille
and large-print bank statements and raised line checks, we’re doing as much as
we can to create a positive banking experience for our customers with vision
impairments.”
Bank of America is a leader in demonstrating a holistic approach to providing
products, programs and services for customers using the company’s disability and
accessibility resources. Bank of America customers can also now utilize a
variety of new online features including:
Audio. Customers with special software can have the site
read to them. Customers also can skip from subject to subject to find the
information they need, rather than waiting for the audio to read through the
entire page.
Text enlargement options. Customers can increase the size of
text through their Internet browsers without degrading the overall appearance of
the site.
Online applications. Applying online makes it easier for
customers with disabilities to get what they need without leaving their homes or
offices. Disclosures and fees are included in Account Forms section.
Simplified navigation. Finding information about accounts
and services is easier with a straightforward approach to organizing the site,
including an Information Center. Customers can get frequently requested
brochures and fact sheets as well as information about scholarships, career
opportunities or upcoming disability-related events. The ATM locator can now
default to Talking ATM searches for customers with vision impairments
One of the world's leading
financial services companies, Bank of America is committed to making banking
work for customers and clients like it never has before. Through innovative
technologies and the ingenuity of its people, Bank of America provides
individuals, small businesses and commercial, corporate and institutional
clients across the United States and around the world new and better ways to
manage their financial lives. The company enables customers to do their banking
and investing whenever, wherever and however they choose through the nation's
largest financial services network, including approximately 4,400 domestic
offices and more than 13,200 ATMs, as well as 31 international offices serving
clients in more than 150 countries, and an Internet Web site that provides
online banking access to 6 million active users, more than any other bank. The
company's Web site is
www.bankofamerica.com.
Customers wishing to obtain
additional information about Talking ATMs can visit
www.bankofamerica.com/accessiblebanking.
Reporters may contact:
Terri Bolling, Bank of
America, 410.547.5869 Lainey Feingold
Law Office of Elaine B. Feingold
1524 Scenic Avenue
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