Santander launches digital sign language service

Santander has launched a translation service for its deaf customers to allow them to browse its website in British Sign Language (BSL).

The new digital service, rolled out in partnership with Signly, translates the bank’s website to provide deaf customers with access to key financial information.

Customers can visit the deaf or hearing loss accessibility page on the Santander website to turn Signly on.

Once this is turned on, a qualified translator is displayed in the corner of the screen to translate the selected text into BSL for the customer.

Santander said translations are currently available on the most visited pages of its website.

The company added that the number of translated pages will increase, with customers able to make requests for across the website. These new pages will be translated over a seven-day period

According to charity British Deaf Association, there are around 87,000 Deaf people in the UK who use BSL as their preferred language.

Santander said that the rollout builds on its existing services for deaf customers.

Santander also offers SignVideo which connects customers to a professional interpreter who interprets on their behalf to an advisor.

When visiting a local branch, customers can also book a BSL interpreter free of charge.

“Our addition of Signly will improve access to critical financial information for more people,” said Dorothy Liviabella Santander head of vulnerable customer strategy at Santander. “Tens of thousands of Deaf people use BSL as their primary language and through Signly they can now easily access the exact same information as other customers.”

The move comes after Nationwide rolled out BSL across its website, at the time claiming it was the first building society to offer the service.



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