This video by Project Nemo beautifully illustrates the importance of financial services providers creating solutions that empower and include everyone. The video tells the story of 22 year-old Chloe, who has severe learning difficulties, autism and visual impairment as a result of a genetic condition. Chloe’s determination to lead an independent life has led her to complete three years of college and find a job that she loves working with animals. However, as more places become cashless, she is unable to join in day-to-day activities with friends such as going out and paying for her lunch. A simple payment card designed to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities could bridge the gap, providing independence while building essential life skills. By involving people with disabilities in product design, Financial Services Providers can ensure their products and services are accessible to all customers, while building their customer base and enhancing their brand. #DisabilityInclusion #FinancialInclusion #UniversalDesign #InclusionMatters #Accessibility
We are excited to share the latest episode of our Project Nemo Disability Stories, following its launch at our in-person event, Tackling Financial Exclusion for People with Learning Disabilities, last week. Topping up Independence - Chloe’s story Catherine Ann Reid shares the story of her daughter Chloe, a 22 year old girl with Cohen syndrome - a rare genetic condition which leaves her with severe learning disabilities, autism, vision loss and three major surgeries which broke and rebuilt her bones. She needs full time care but that doesn’t stop Chloe being a light in every room she enters. Through specialist education, Chloe has developed far beyond anyone’s imagination and has recently finished a three-year course at Henley College and enjoys working at a doggy day care centre. Chloe doesn’t fully understand money, she just wants to pay for her lunch like her friends do and not feel like the odd one out. Fewer places accept cash leaving Chloe without any secure means to pay, meaning she loses the opportunity to build the independence she deserves. Jackie O'Sullivan, Executive Director of Strategy and Influence at Mencap, echoes Catherine Anne’s sentiments and highlights the struggles and barriers faced by the 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the UK when it comes to accessing their finances. If only Chloe, and others like her, could have access to a simple payment card designed specifically for people with learning disabilities, one that also teaches them how to use it. Such a card would mean greater empowerment and independence for all. Is your business making its products and services accessible all the way through your customer journeys? Involving people from the disability community in product design could lead to more inclusive and accessible services, benefiting customers like Chloe and many others. Please help us to share Chloe’s story and message by engaging, commenting and sharing this film with your network and colleagues. Huge thanks to Chloe and Catherine Ann for letting us share your story, and to Mencap for contributing your insights. And, as always, massive thanks to the brilliant Amar Hayer and Changemaker Studios for the production of this film. Video Description: A short film showing Chloe doing jobs and having fun at home with her mum Catherine Ann. We also see Chloe at college, working at the doggy daycare and making a payment at a local shop with her mum's bank card. The video also includes a short interview clip with Jackie O’Sullivan from Mencap. #DisabilityStories #DisabilityInclusion