Credit Suisse Branches Are Now Equipped with Mobile Hearing Loops Donnerstag, 16. März 2017 - 10:00

Mobile induction hearing loops are now available for people with hearing impairments in all Credit Suisse branches in Switzerland. The aim is to simplify communication between hearing impaired clients and counter employees. Credit Suisse is thereby expanding its existing service offering for barrier-free access to banking services. The bank is one of the world's pioneers in this field.
 

What are known as mobile induction hearing loops are now available to clients with hearing impairments at all of the approximately 140 Credit Suisse branches. Thanks to the hearing systems, clients can have a confidential conversation with counter employees. The device enables audio signals to be amplified through induction and unwanted background noise to be filtered out. 

Last year, Credit Suisse carried out a survey in collaboration with the organization pro audito schweiz on the topic of hearing impairments in people's dealings with the bank. The results of this survey showed that communication at bank counters represents one of the main problems for the hard of hearing. As an immediate measure, Credit Suisse set up a pilot project and, during the implementation phase, worked closely with people who are directly affected from the Schwerhörigen-Verein Nordwestschweiz (Northwestern Switzerland Association for the Hard of Hearing). Client advisors and counter employees were familiarized with the devices using training videos and sensitized to dealing with people with hearing impairments. Pictograms at the entrance to branches and at counters indicate the presence of a mobile induction hearing loop system. 

Longstanding Commitment to Barrier-Free Access to Banking Services

Credit Suisse has been committed to barrier-free access to banking services for more than ten years and ensures that people with impaired vision, hearing, and limited mobility encounter no obstacles. This includes a range of measures, such as easy access to branches and ATMs: At selected locations throughout Switzerland, constructional measures were undertaken to position more than 70 ATMs at a lower level so that they can easily be accessed by wheelchair users. Furthermore, around 500 talking ATMs make it easier for people with impaired vision to withdraw cash or check their account balance. Clients with impaired vision can also request their bank statements in large print or braille. 

Credit Suisse offers deaf clients the option to have a sign language interpreter present at personal consultations twice a year, free of charge. With its commitment to barrier-free access to banking services, the bank is one of the pioneers not only in Switzerland but also worldwide. Alireza Darvishy, Head of the Center of Accessibility at Credit Suisse, says: "Access to our products and services should be as easy as possible for all our clients. Credit Suisse therefore aims to provide the highest level of accessibility for people with impaired vision, hearing or mobility constraints. The positive feedback motivates us to continue our efforts to meet their needs." 

Credit Suisse Supports Special Guided Tours for the Deaf and Visually Impaired at the Kunsthaus Zürich

As part of our partnership with the Kunsthaus Zürich, Credit Suisse will be enabling members of its partner organizations to participate in two special guided tours for deaf and visually impaired people at the Kunsthaus open day on April 1, 2017. The Kunsthaus Zürich is focusing on the issue of integration for its open day this year. The program offering also includes an information event for relatives of people with dementia as well as tours for non-German-speaking visitors. 

Further information about barrier-free access to banking services can be found at: https://www.credit-suisse.com/ch/en/about-us/responsibility/banking/accessibility.html