Announcements
Abilities Magazine
| May 29th, 2002 | |
The ForumBank Of MontrealSummer 2001. Issue 47: p. 41 Forumby Kaye Leslie Imagine reading the newspaper or your mail without vision, paying a bill using voice-activated technology or answering a phone call without hearing the caller. The everyday tasks that many of us execute through technology are taken for granted. For individuals who have hearing, vision, learning or mobility disabilities, the methods of accessing information and services are unique. Imagine a world of universal access. This was the theme of Bank of Montreal�s "Technologica" event for employees held in January of this year. Technologica demonstrated Bank of Montreal�s commitment to accessibility through demonstrations that featured JAWS screen-reading software, TTY devices, RIM pagers and hands-free devices for accessing computers. Over 3,000 people attended this event, which resulted in increased awareness of accessibility, including accessible e-learning, training and web access. Through the use of leading-edge access technology, Bank of Montreal strives to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for all. Bank of Montreal is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and an equitable workplace. Employee consultation is facilitated through three affinity groups composed of employees with disabilities. These groups are developing strategic plans in order to remove barriers and resolve the ongoing challenges for users of adaptive technology. Having started out informally for peer support, the affinity groups now meet formally to share information and make recommendations to improve access. Recommendations by employees on inclusive access have resulted in improved customer service and enhanced recruitment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our deaf affinity group has been working on communication, workplace safety and the annual Toronto Mayfest event. At Mayfest, deaf customers had an opportunity to view Internet on-line banking as well as other services. One of the other affinity groups is sponsoring financial planning sessions, with particular emphasis on insurance and estate planning for people with disabilities. A major pilot project focused on integrating access technology is presently underway. This initiative was a direct result of recommendations made by our affinity group of employees with vision disabilities. In addition, a facilitation guide on inclusive learning is also being developed in order to meet the challenge of providing accessible training and e-learning. Bank of Montreal is pleased to demonstrate its commitment to accessibility by its gold sponsorship of the international world congress "Inclusion by Design," being held in Montreal in June of this year. The focus of this congress is access for everyone in all spheres of life, including education, housing, employment and urban development. Bank of Montreal will facilitate a workshop focusing on inclusive learning at the conference. Bank of Montreal fosters a spirit of involvement in the communities it serves. In an attempt to reach into the community and share best practices with other large corporations and community agencies, Bank of Montreal is hosting a series of roundtable discussions on access technology. These roundtables, held four times per year, invite other corporations to share best practices and identify opportunities to integrate adaptive technology to increase access for people with disabilities. (Kaye Leslie is a Relationship Manager, Workplace Equality at Bank of Montreal. For more information, call (416) 9278-2976; fax: (416) 927-5555; or e-mail: [email protected].) | |
