Cards with a blind notch and other solutions for the blind and partially sighted

Santander Bank Polska ensures access to financial services for people with individual needs and creates inclusive solutions.In July, as a first bank in Poland, Santander introduced cards with a blind notch.

The card has a special notch cut out to help the blind and partially sighted people use the card, for example at ATMs. Moreover, Santander Bank Polska debit and credit cards feature contrasting colours and are embossed on the front.  The card design was reviewed by Polish blind and partially sighted accessibility experts from Utilitia (Polish company dedicated to examining solutions for the impaired).

Thanks to the blind notch on the left side of the shorter edge of the card, it is much easier for the blind to identify the card in their wallets and insert it to the ATM the right way. Contrasting colours, different for each type of a card, prove very useful for the partially sighted. It is surprising that such a small but innovative modification facilitates so much the card usage by the blind or visually impaired

Mikołaj Rotnicki

from Utilitia

This year Santander Bank Polska opened a pilot branch in Wrocław with a tactile map of the premises, tactile walking surface indicators and the Totupoint sound system which supports spatial orientation.

Barrier-Free Banking

Santander Bank Polska increases the accessibility of its products and services in all channels.There are 164 branches with no architectural barriers. Customer advisors are also prepared to provide support to those who cannot read or write. The Bank has introduced solutions facilitating smooth and comfortable processes, for example frames helping customers sign documents, and mini magnifiers.

Customers with individual needs may also avail of ATMs with accessibility solutions – 90% of over 1500 of the bank’s ATMs is equipped with at least one of the following: an audio system, high-contrast mode, screen switch-off or Braille symbols.

Santander internet and Santander mobile services are systematically audited in terms of accessibility to customers with disabilities. They feature Face ID and Touch ID login options or voice recognition identification at the Bank’s Contact Center.

Find out more about inclusive solutions at:www.santander.pl/obb