AUB ATMs equipped to accommodate special needs customers’ requirements

KUWAIT: In line with its overall objectives of supporting special needs customers as well as the Central Bank of Kuwait’s (CBK) guidelines to provide a full range of financial services to special needs customers while also facilitating their overall banking experience, Ahli United Bank (AUB) announced today that its branches and selected ATMs are fully equipped to accommodate special needs customers with different forms of disabilities. The Bank has developed a number of innovative platforms which aim to simplify customers’ overall experience, whether they are in wheel chairs, are visually impaired or aurally challenged.

AUB’s latest development comes as part of its efforts to facilitate banking services for all special needs customers. Across its branches in Kuwait, the Bank’s ATMs have been equipped with the latest technologies and facilities to accommodate for customers’ needs. These include Mishref, Qadsiya, Farwaniya, Sabah AlSalem, Ahmadi, Jahra and Al-Ayoun branches, as well as Head Office branch.

AUB has activated voice guidance technology across its ATMs, in an effort to provide visually impaired customers with highly improved access to the Bank’s wide range of banking services. This new service activates when headphones are plugged into the standard audio jack. The main ATM screen blacks out to provide more privacy for visually impaired customers.

The new applications and technology based services that are installed across AUB’s ATMs aim at providing an easy and more simplified banking service to special needs customers with various forms of disabilities, while enabling to conduct their personal transactions in a safe environment.

AUB’s ATMs include a wide range of features such voice guidance in English and Arabic, Braille keypads, large fonts and specially designed screens with contrasting backgrounds to provide an easy-to-read experience. In addition, our ATM vestibules are designed such that the ATM height is at appropriate levels for customers with wheelchairs.

A number of the Bank’s ATMs in select branches are placed in highly specialized glass rooms to ensure customers’ privacy. When using the ATM automatic doors equipped with sensors will prevent other customers from entering the ATM vestibule until customers have completed their transactions and have departed the area. Features include an emergency button that alerts the Bank’s security and opens doors immediately when required.

Huda Al-Madani, AUB’s Assistant General Manager- Alternative Distribution Channels said, “We are very pleased to continue driving more service innovation to cater to all segments of society across Kuwait. Our efforts align with those of the Central Bank to reflect an all-encompassing understanding and benefits of financial transactions to all members of society. At AUB, we continue to accommodate and adapt to the latest technological breakthroughs that help facilitate special needs customers’ banking experience.”