People with a learning disability often need access to banking services in order to manage their own finances, including benefit payments. This report summarizes research into the banking products and services on offer to them, whether these met their needs and how bank staff interact with them.
Most researchers found physical access straightforward, and help from staff was often available. Proving identity in order to open a bank account was potentially problematic, as staff had different views on what would be considered acceptable.
The researchers especially valued staff who conversed directly with them, rather than with their supporter. Overall, most had a good experience when visiting the banks, although 21 per cent had a bad experience.
Banks need to consistently communicate to both staff and customers what documents are needed to prove ID.
Banks should improve staff awareness of the difficulties people with a learning disability face, and the facilities banks already have that may help them.
For more information follow this link to the project pages.
You can download The full project report, project reports from Scotland and Northern Ireland and an easy read summary here.
Published: 2007 Report: A4 perfect bound
£10.00 ARC Members £15.00 non-members