APACS: advice for people with disabilities

APACS, the UK payments association, has celebrated the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 2 December by helping consumers unable to access some payment methods and services. The guide – Payments & accessibility – offers tips on payment options for people with a disability, and describes the services available.

In accordance with The Banking Code, banks and building societies are obliged to provide customers with alternative options if they are unable to use standard services. 

Sandra Quinn, director of communications, noted that though such services as chip, PIN and online banking are preferable for most of the people, “these products and services can be daunting for some and impossible for others. Through The Banking Code, the payments industry offers protection and guarantees to ensure all consumers can easily access the payment services they need.”

The Payments & accessibility guide covers such payment methods as cheques, telephone and internet banking and plastic cards, along with advices on staying safe from fraud. It has been made free to download from APACS website and has been shared with representing groups of people with disabilities.