BNP Paribas Fortis is determined to provide easy access for all. Customers who are visually impaired or have reading difficulties may request to have their Bank documents converted into Braille text or a spoken version.
Contracts in Braille or spoken version
Pascal De Groote, who works at BNP Paribas Fortis, is blind. Based on his personal experience, he helps to adapt the Bank’s products and services so as to enable people living with a visual impairment to carry out their banking business smoothly and independently. He points out: “BNP Paribas Fortis customers who are visually impaired or have reading difficulties may ask for certain documents, such as contracts, to be converted free of charge into Braille or spoken language. Blind customers may also ask to be sent their account statements in Braille.”
Cash withdrawals and Online Banking
“Moreover, all our ATMs are equipped with a voice assistance system. The dialogue starts up automatically as soon as you plug your headphones into the ATM. In order to make online banking easier, we also offer a special card reader with extra-large push-buttons, a large screen and voice function. In addition, the latest versions of Easy Banking Web and the Easy Banking App support screen readers such as VoiceOver on the iPhone and Jaws on Windows PCs."
How does it work and what does it cost?
if you wish to receive a document in Braille or spoken format all you have to do is make the request at your local branch. You can also order the card reader with voice function at the branch and it will be delivered there within the week. Both of these services are free of charge.
Sign language
“The Bank wants to be fully accessible to all customers living with a disability,” Pascal underlines, explaining: “So, for example, customers who are hard of hearing can download the Remote Sign Language Interpreter app on to their tablet or smartphone and then connect free of charge to their branch’s WiFi network. If necessary they can then call upon the services of a remote signing interpreter to assist with an advisory meeting.”
Reduced mobility
We are also taking all necessary steps to make our branches as physically accessible as possible for persons with reduced mobility, for instance by providing wheelchair access ramps, lower reception desks, automatic or easy-to-open doors, adequate space for wheelchairs and special parking facilities. More than a third of our branches have already obtained an Accessibility certificate from an external assessment agency. Click
here to see a list of all wheelchair-accessible branches.
Any questions or suggestions?
If you have any remaining questions or ideas that might enable the Bank to further improve its service to customers living with a disability, please call 02 228 76 56 during office hours or send an email to
banque.accessible@bnpparibasfortis.com.
