The services connect those customers with representatives trained in American Sign Language
Nearly 16% of Americans 20 years and older have some level of hearing loss, according to the National Council on Aging. That percentage increases to 31% among people 65 and older and 40% of those over 75 years old.
And, the National Council on Aging reported, hearing loss is on the rise and expected to nearly double by 2060.
Lancaster-based Fulton Bank, which has locations in Delaware County, is addressing the needs of its customers who are deaf or hard of hearing in an innovative manner.
Fulton in February launched a service that gives those customers access to a channel that connects them directly with a customer service representative who is fluent in American Sign Language.
Customers banking remotely can connect to the service through the Contact page of the bank’s website. The link takes them to a live video conversation during business hours, or allows them to leave a video message after hours.
Customers visiting a brick-and-mortar location can scan a QR code on site and use their mobile device to connect with a sign language interpreter who will facilitate communication between the customer and staff at the bank location.
