What is AT for banking?
Assistive technology (AT) can make everyday banking more accessible. It can help people make their own decisions around finance by connecting them to the right:
- Information
- Devices and software
- Services
AT for banking can include:
- Accessible websites and banking apps
- Phone-based supports
- ATMs
- In‑person options
The right tools can reduce barriers and help people access banking services with confidence and security.
Tools to make banking more accessible
Screen readers
- Examples: TalkBack, VoiceOver, and JAWS
- How they can help: People with vision impairment or cognition issues are better able to access information.
Built-in accessibility settings on websites
- Examples: Zoom, font-sizes contrast settings, and accessible website formatting
- How they can help: They make accessing the website easier for a variety of people, including those with disability.
Telephone banking
- Examples: TTY, NRS, TIS, video calls for Auslan interpretation
- How they can help: People who are blind can access banking on their phone. Those who are deaf and use Auslan to communicate have the option to make video calls.
Mobile device applications
- Examples: Apps developed by banks to access their services
- How they can help: They provide access to banking services on mobile devices. These can be set up to better meet the users’ accessibility needs, provided they follow accessibility guidelines.
Voice-based commands
- Example: Voice ID
- How it can help: People who are vision impaired, or for other reasons can’t communicate through reading text, are still able to access services. As B.M. from Brisbane confirms, ‘Assistive technology with voice and message banking allows for older Australians to use digital banking functions.’
However, it should be noted that this isn’t accessible for those who are deafblind.
Braille keypads
- Examples: on ATMs and EFTPOS machines
- How they can help: People who are vision impaired and/or use Braille to communicate are able to use these services.
AI reminder and planning software
- Examples: Built-in calendars and planners, i.e., Google Calendar, Microsoft To-Do, etc... To find out more about how our community manages planning, you can check out our article: Planning your way: Opens in new window .
- How they can help: They can assist with reminders about bills, payments, or other tasks that may be missed if cognitive load is a difficulty.
Non-digital options
- Examples: Signature bank cards and cheques
- How they can help: Accessible to those who aren’t able to use, or comfortable using digital technology.
Biometric authentication
- Examples: Using fingerprints or face ID to log in
- How they can help: Provides greater security and efficiency. Particularly helpful for those who may struggle with memory and cognition.
In-person service
- Examples: Bank branches
- How they can help: Ideal for those who don’t want to, or can’t, engage with digital technology for banking.
Advocate for your needs
In addition to the variety of AT available, knowing how to advocate for your needs, and those you support, can also lead to greater independence. As J. M. from Bendigo advises, ‘Be honest about all the issues and concerns, and encourage yourself, or the person you are helping, to be upfront and have no fears or shame about needing such help. They deserve to access the same things as the rest of us do, so embrace the methods and you'll find a suitable fit.’
Accessing banking and financial services independently means people can decide how they want to live, play, and work. If you’re an AT user and would like more information from your peers about what AT might work best for you, you can join Chatterbox, our AT user Facebook group: Opens in new window .
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