BARWA BANK INTRODUCES FIRST WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ATM IN QATAR
Barwa Bank, Qatar's newest shari’ah compliant banking service provider, has designed and built the first ATM specifically for people confined to wheelchairs in Qatar at Al Bidda Park.
This service, which is considered the first of its kind in Qatar, aims to bring 24/7 banking services to those currently unable to use ATMs, simply because none of the existing machines in the country are accessible by an individual confined to a wheelchair.
The initiative is part of Barwa Bank’s strategic program to make sure every segment of the society will have full access to its banking services and products.
Steve Troop, Chief Executive Officer of Barwa Bank said, "We are very proud to be the first bank in Qatar to introduce an ATM designed to be used by our customers with special needs. We are committed to expanding the scope of our banking services to all segments of the community and this measure is one of many aimed at doing so. This is another example of Barwa Bank’s proactive approach to providing helpful banking service to all our customers."
Mr Troop indicated that persons with special needs using wheelchairs will be able to use the new machines to conduct all normal ATM functions, including cash withdrawal and printing of account statements.
The new ATM design includes recommended changes including the height of the machine as well as the dimensions of the space below the key-pad. Barwa Bank have been considering accessibility to its branches for people with special needs since its inception and the new ATM design, which is now fully operational and will be rolled out throughout the country, is one of its many measures to help ensure that people with special needs can lead an independent life in Qatar.
