Lloyds Bank is the first UK organisation to offer British Sign Language (BSL) website translation for deaf customers. The new feature launched on International Day for People with Disabilities and is part of the organisation’s drive to remove barriers for customers who request support.

The new service will provide easier access to essential financial information to break down some of the language barriers faced by deaf customers. It is hoped that providing the online BSL videos will open up access to banking for deaf people and those with hearing impairments, giving them with the ability to make informed financial decisions.

In addition to this service, Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland are offering customers who are blind or have low vision the ability to connect securely with the bank through the Be My Eyes app. The tool provides visual assistance for everyday tasks, including explaining bank statements, checking and confirming transactions and managing money.

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app for iOS and Android which has grown to become the largest online community for people who are blind or have low vision across 150 countries. It works by giving users free access to a network of sighted volunteers and company representatives who provide visual assistance for the task at hand.

Access to the help platform is available through a live video connection from the rear-facing camera on the customer’s smartphone using the Be My Eyes smartphone app on either iOS or Android.

The two services build on work that Lloyds Banking Group has also undertaken to educate colleagues in branches on how best to support autistic customers.

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