MorganAsh has introduced British Sign Language translations across its corporate website and itswhoiam.me consumer portal through a partnership with accessibility specialist Signly.
Visitors to the two websites can request a free BSL translation of any webpage, with completed translations remaining available for subsequent users and updated when the underlying content changes.
The translations are produced by registered BSL translators who are members of the deaf community rather than generated using artificial intelligence.
IMPROVING ACCESS TO FINANCIAL INFORMATION
MorganAsh said the service was intended to improve access to financial information for people who use BSL as their principal language. Around 87,000 people in the UK use BSL as their main language, while an estimated 151,000 use it in some form.
The company said written English should not automatically be regarded as an accessible alternative for people who are profoundly deaf. BSL can be a first or only language, while some deaf people have lower levels of English proficiency because they have learnt written or spoken English as a second language.
Signly’s technology is already used by financial services businesses including Lloyds Bank, Santander and Nationwide. MorganAsh said the service could also help firms meet their Consumer Duty responsibilities by making important information easier for customers to access and understand.
Andrew Gething (pictured), managing director of MorganAsh, said: “We are really proud to partner with Signly and integrate BSL translations within our sites.
“Alongside clear misconceptions, there is a real lack of knowledge and support surrounding the challenges faced by the deaf community.
“This clever integration is a fantastic step firms can make to provide equal access to important content and ultimately, better outcomes. We’d encourage all firms to really explore this opportunity for themselves.
“Consumer Duty has made the requirement for firms to understand and respond to the needs of customers clearer than ever, and accessibility must be a critical part of that conversation. But it’s not just about regulatory obligations.
“If a person cannot access important financial information in a format that works for them, they risk being excluded from making informed decisions.
“It’s therefore not just about good practice, but about delivering good outcomes and creating a financial services sector that is fairer, more trusted and more inclusive for everyone.”
VULNERABILITY SUPPORT
The BSL service has also been added to itswhoiam.me, MorganAsh’s consumer portal for people who may need to disclose potential vulnerabilities to financial services firms.
The portal is intended to be used before or alongside a vulnerability assessment request, helping customers understand why information is being sought and giving firms an opportunity to build trust before the assessment process.
Mark Applin, chief executive officer at Signly, added: “Financial services can be complex to navigate at the best of times – particularly for members of the Deaf community without accessible means to understand and engage with important financial documents.
“Working with key partners such as MorganAsh, Signly is helping to address this by making BSL more readily available across financial services and creating a more inclusive experience.
“While there is a regulatory reason for financial services to improve accessibility, there is also a clear social one too. Everyone should have the same opportunity to access, understand and engage with the financial services they rely on.
“Removing barriers to communication is an important part in creating not only a fairer and more inclusive sector, but a society where all people are better able to participate and explore any opportunity available to them.”
