Removing small and large hurdles - this is the challenge that Bank Austria has set itself.
When we hear the word "accessible", we often think of structural changes to buildings, for example in branches. But "accessibility" means much more than that.
Christian Schinko, Disability Manager at Bank
"All branches across Austria have now already been arranged to be accessible."
Orientation for people with impaired vision and hearing
People with impaired vision use tactile guidance systems. The "stripes" on railway or underground platforms are a well-known example. These guidance systems are also in place in the branches of Bank Austria.
The appliances in the foyer, such as ATMs and account statement printers, have been re-designed for blind people. This means that visually impaired and blind people can listen to the instructions from the device using a headset - voice output makes it possible.
The business cards for the banking advisers can also be read by blind people as they have braille text.
Conversations about finances are often confidential and people therefore tend to speak quietly. For people with a hearing impairment, mobile induction loops are therefore used in the branches. These make it possible for someone wearing a hearing aid to receive a conversation wirelessly through their hearing aid. The prerequisite for this is a technical setting on the hearing device, which can be activated by a specialist shop on request.
The use of sign language is also breaking new ground at Bank Austria. It is the only bank in Austria to offer this service, with 6 employees trained in the use of sign language.
Accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility
Ramps and handrails help facilitate access to our branches. As Disability Manager at Bank Austria Christian Schinko explains: "In our converted foyers, the foyer machines are set up differently, so that the turning circles are big enough and so it is possible for wheelchair users to reach these devices. With this new generation of device, the entire operation is carried out via the keyboard." Of course, the self-service devices are placed at an appropriate height so that they can be easily accessed by wheelchair users. The meeting tables in the branches are also height-adjustable and located in such a way that wheelchair users can roll right up to them.
On the subject of "rolling up" For consultation appointments in branches in Vienna and Graz there is a shuttle service for customers with limited mobility, so that they can more easily keep their personal consultation appointments using a transport service suitable for disabled access. For people who walk with a stick or other walking aid, there are special facilities in the self-service areas for storing these.
Ilse Högler, a Bank Austria Customer
"I have been a Bank Austria customer for ages, and since the age of 36 I have been a wheelchair user. This makes me appreciate even more the fact that Bank Austria is really setting a good example when it comes to accessibility. In my branch at Mariahilferstraße 54 there have been no problems in getting access there in my wheelchair. I could also easily reach the safe box area of the bank using a lift. Now, I have already followed my bank adviser to a second branch and here, too, I have never run into any structural obstacles - I think it’s great. Of course, at an everyday level, accessible ATMs are very important, and my experiences have all been good. Keep it up!"
Easily locate accessible branches
All accessible branches are listed in the branch finder of Bank Austria. For each branch, it specifies what accessibility equipment is available. In addition, Bank Austria cooperates with the City of Vienna to give further impetus to greater accessibility: All branches of Bank Austria can also be found in the online version of the Vienna city map with full accessibility details.
Fact box: Accessible branches
- Tactile guidance systems for people with impaired vision
- Induction loops for people with impaired hearing at the meeting desks
- Sufficient turning space and height-adjustable tables for wheelchair users around the meeting desks
- Self-service devices at a suitable height, with audio guides
- Bank Austria branch finder with detailed description of the accessible branches
