Barclays launches new lipspeaker service for Deaf and hard of hearing customers
Accessible banking: Barclays launches new lipspeaker service. Source: hutterstock.com
In a UK banking first, Barclays has announced a service where Deaf or hard of hearing customers will be able to have their telephone conversations with the bank interpreted by a lipspeaker: a hearing person who can provide communication support by being easily lip read.
With over 11 million people in the UK experiencing hearing loss, these developments will make sure all customers are able to access telephone banking services more easily.
Once a customer has set up this service, a unique marker will be attached to their profile and they will be able to use a lipspeaker to have conversations with Barclays telephone bankers.
Customers can opt into the service at any time by letting Barclays know they use a lipspeaker and providing a nominated mobile number for telephone banking. Through the use of additional security steps, the service can only be used in the presence of the customer, providing them with greater independence whilst reducing the risk of fraud.
For customers who aren’t registered, Barclays also has a ‘Live Chat’ facility within the Barclays Mobile Banking app, providing a secure instant-messaging service to help customers access their banking.
