 "Accessibility, Talking ATM")
Darkness.
It was all that I could think of as I waited, eyes blindfolded and a white cane in my hand, waiting for a different journey – one which would be full of surprises that needed to be experienced as you moved ahead.
I was at the annual sensitization event organised by the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC) – Antarchakshu, which essentially means ‘The eye within.’ For the past eight years Antarchakshu has been trying to spread awareness about the visually challenged and give people an insight into their world. Antarchakshu tries to focus on a different theme every year, tackling day to day misconceptions about the visually challenged. This year the focus was on Banking and Financial Access. The initiative was in collaboration with the Indian Bank’s Association.
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Right at the beginning of the entire experience, I was given a pass book, for an existing bank account, with a fixed amount in it. As I went through the entire process, volunteers guided me through different areas, encouraging me to do banking tasks, which I would have normally done without too much of a thought to it.
Writing a cheque and signing it, waiting for your token number to be called, walking towards the cash counter, to collect the money you just withdrew, updating your passbook and finally visiting your locker, to secure your valuables – all these tasks were performed blindfolded, with the help of various talking devices and mere touch of hand, which helped identify things that otherwise I would just be able to see.
When asked what inspired the theme for Antarchakshu – 2013, Dr. Sam Taraporevala, Director of the XRCVC, said, “Initially banking rules stated that every visually challenged person be treated as an illiterate person. These rules changed in 2008, however, the ground reality for many banks is completely different. Our aim this year was to targets banks, to encourage them to make their processes more accessible to the visually challenged.”
Antarchakshu has often been used by the XRCVC as a tool of awareness and change. In 2009, the event showcased the first demo of the potential talking ATM, which today has become a reality with many banks. This year they have showcased accessible ATMS from three different banks and major vendors, along with various day to day devices that could help the visually challenged perform banking tasks on their own – hence eliminating the risks of them being cheated on.
The XRCVC has also released a handbook on accessible banking, which was handed over to every participant as they sat down to share their blindfolded experience with visually challenged students and professionals.
Dr. Taraporevala said, “Banking professionals often want to reach out and do what they think is best for their visually challenged customers, while the latter just wants to be treated like everyone else. We hope to bridge that gap, with better understanding this year.”
Manish Sinha, Head of customer value management, HSBC, while talking about his experience at Antarchakshu, said, “The accessibility technologies showcased in the exhibition has definitely made me more aware. I can now say that every time I am approached with a new business idea, I will ask all the right questions, keeping in mind all the disabilities.”
Sinha, who moved to India from the UK, also made a comparison between awareness and accessibility within India and the UK. He said, “In UK, people are not only more aware, but they also look at providing accessibility as it makes complete business sense. This should be looked at in India too. I believe that events like Antarchakshu can help push that kind of awareness.”
Antarchakshu, which was organised at St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, took place on the 16th and 17th September. The event and workshop saw participation from banking professionals all over the city, including CGMs, AGMs and branch functionaries. Honorable Chief Justice of Mumbai High Court, Mohit Shah also participated in the workshop.
