The Caisses exist first and foremost to ensure everyone in the community can obtain the financial services they need. Accessibility has not only defined the Group’s development throughout the years, but also influenced its priorities.
A democratic organization responsive to its members’ needs, the Caisses’ focus has always been to make its facilities accessible. Several initiatives have been taken to reduce the obstacles that might prevent members with disabilities from being able to benefit from its services.
Here are a few elements that illustrate the Caisses’ on-going commitment to accessibility.
Every new construction and renovation project automatically includes features to provide access to people with mobility impairments according to established standards, including parking spaces.
The Caisses network’s ATMs (in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick) are accessible to people with impaired mobility or vision.
Accessible ATMs can be identified by their lower components (keyboard, screen, buttons), a grab bar and shelves that are practical for people with reduced mobility or people of smaller stature, thus enabling them to safely make transactions.
All Caisse ATMs now offer voice-guided systems to help the visually impaired, the functionally illiterate and elderly people take full advantage of ATMs. By inserting earphones into a jack on the ATM, these members can obtain private voice instructions explaining how to use the ATM and guide them every step through their transactions. This application was developed in collaboration with associations for persons with disabilities.
A number of Caisse services and online solutions can be helpful to persons who don’t often leave home. Bills can be paid online or by telephone and received via epost, for example, purchases can be made from home with a credit card, not to mention direct payment, direct withdrawal and point of sale terminals, etc. These virtual access methods favour members with reduced mobility, helping them gain autonomy without sacrificing security.