APS Bank is proud to announce its partnership with Prisms (Malta) and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), making it Malta’s first financial services provider certified for creating autism-friendly spaces. This initiative underscores APS Bank’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all.
APS Bank has introduced autism-friendly branch hours from Monday to Friday, between 13:00 and 14:00. During these hours, several adjustments are made in branches to create a more accommodating environment for people with autism. These include using fewer bright lights in reception and meeting rooms, replacing video content on digital screens with still images, and providing sensory packs, on request. Additionally, a number of staff members have received specialised training to support customers with autism. These ‘Autism Ambassadors’ wear an autism-friendly pin badge to make themselves easily identifiable to customers.
Margaret White, Head of Disability Services at Prisms, commented “The journey of working alongside APS Bank to ensure more accessibility through autism-friendly spaces has been a great one. The passion and commitment to inclusivity and workforce upskilling, to raise awareness in the community, are truly inspiring.”
Scott Lee Holloway, Senior Customer Experience Manager, stated “We believe that everyone should feel comfortable and supported when managing their finances. By becoming Malta’s first financial services provider certified for creating autism-friendly spaces, we are taking a significant step towards inclusivity and demonstrating our commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community. This initiative is vital in creating a safe and accommodating environment, for all our customers.”
