Mastercard Introduces Accessible Card for Blind and Partially Sighted People
26 Ottobre 2021 - 1:20AM
Business Wire
2.2 billion people around the world have visual impairments
Unique notches on the Touch Card’s short side allow the person
to distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card
Mastercard extends its commitment to inclusivity by introducing
a new accessible card standard for blind and partially sighted
people, called the Touch Card. There are few effective ways for the
visually impaired to quickly determine whether they're holding a
credit, debit or prepaid card, particularly as more cards move to
flat designs without embossed name and numbers. Mastercard is
addressing this challenge with a simple yet effective
innovation.
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Mastercard Touch Card (Photo: Business
Wire)
“The Touch Card will provide a greater sense of security,
inclusivity and independence to the 2.2 billion people around the
world with visual impairments,“ says Raja Rajamannar, chief
marketing and communications officer. “For the visually impaired,
identifying their payment cards is a real struggle. This tactile
solution allows consumers to correctly orient the card and know
which payment card they are using.”
With the new Touch Card, Mastercard has improved upon a current
design standard by introducing a system of notches on the side of
the card to help consumers use the right card, the right way, by
touch alone. The new Touch Card credit cards have a round notch;
debit cards have a broad squarish notch; and prepaid cards have a
triangular notch. The standard has been designed to work with
point-of-sale terminals and ATMs, ensuring it can be deployed at
scale.
Mastercard’s concept has been vetted and endorsed by The Royal
National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in the U.K. and
VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the U.S.
The card was co-designed by IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented
Identity, providing trusted solutions in the physical as well as
digital space.
“As the banking industry responds to new trends and
developments, it’s critical that any innovation brings progress for
everyone, including those with a visual impairment,” says David
Clarke, RNIB’s director of services. “We’re very pleased that
Mastercard understands how important it is that blind and partially
sighted people have equal and independent access to their own
finances.“
“Innovation should always be driven by the impulse to include,”
adds Rajamannar, who is also the company’s Healthcare president.
“With one in seven people experiencing some form of disability,
designing these products with accessibility in mind gives them
equal opportunity to benefit from the ease and security of a
digital world. No one should be left behind.”
Mastercard has been embedding its signature melody at checkout
counters worldwide, a signal to everyone – the sight impaired in
particular – that their card transaction has gone through
successfully.
Mastercard’s launch of the Touch Card underscores its commitment
to inclusivity. It follows the introduction of True Name™, designed
in support of the transgender and non-binary communities. The
company’s commitment as a brand is to not only stand against
inequity but to be an agent for change.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments
industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital
economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions
safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks,
partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help
individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses
realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ,
drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our
company. With connections across more than 210 countries and
territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks
priceless possibilities for all. www.mastercard.com
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Jill Davison +1 (914) 673 7542; jill.davison@mastercard.com
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