A new card for people who are blind or partially sighted is now available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through a new initiative between Ajman Bank and Mastercard.
The “world-first” Touch Card is an accessible payment card that allows blind and partially sighted people to easily facilitate digital payments and feel tactile differences between their cards, according to a press release Thursday (Sept. 1).
Because cards are often designed without embossed names and numbers, it can be difficult or impossible for people with reduced vision to determine whether they’re holding credit, debit or prepaid cards, per the release. Mastercard stepped up to the challenge by offering a simple innovation — a system of notches on the side of the card to help consumers use the right card, the right way.
“At Ajman Bank inclusion is an integral aspect of our corporate culture and social responsibility,” said Ajman Bank CEO Mohamed Amiri. “Innovation has the power to change the world for the better. For visually impaired customers, selecting the right card can very often be a challenging experience.
“Touch Card allows consumers to quickly distinguish which card they are using through the three distinct notches. We’ve always appreciated Mastercard’s vision for thinking of new ways to innovate and do things differently to serve more people.”
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Moza Al Akraf Al Suwaidi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development, added: “Accessibility is a human right and this latest initiative by Mastercard will open new possibilities for the inclusion of individuals with visual impairment into the digital economy.
“Ajman Bank’s collaboration with Mastercard will make daily life easier for a lot of people. It aligns with UAE’s social and community goals to promote an inclusive environment for everyone by tapping into the infinite power and potential of technology to enrich people’s well-being regardless of their capabilities.”
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