Communications, especially those which are private and sensitive between bank staff and people with a sight impairment, continue to show a lack of sensitivity with simple everyday tasks.

When I need to enquire about my bank balance I need the details given to me verbally. This is embarrassing as other people waiting in line behind me can overhear all my private financial business. The only alternative is to ask my sister to accompany me to the bank to read the statement for me and relate the balance and other details. I have now arranged for a bank statement to be mailed to me. 

I believe an accessibility act would require banks, phone and power companies to provide confidential information in a variety of accessible formats to suit individual needs. This would offer a greater level of freedom and remove the need for a third party having access to an individual’s private information.

This is my access story, it is one of many. I'm sharing it because I want a law that puts accessibility at the heart of an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

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