[NJTechDiv] Mastercard makes its cards more accessible, press release

[Tracy Carcione]

Not sure this is on-topic, but it is interesting, so here it is.

Tracy

 

OCTOBER 25, 2021 | PURCHASE, NY

2.2 billion people around the world have visual impairments

Unique notches on the Touch Card's short side allow the person to
distinguish it between a credit, debit or prepaid card

Mastercard extends its commitment to inclusivity by introducing a new
accessible card standard for blind and partially sighted people, called the
Touch

Card. There are few effective ways for the visually impaired to quickly
determine whether they're holding a credit, debit or prepaid card,
particularly

as more cards move to flat designs without embossed name and numbers.
Mastercard is addressing this challenge with a simple yet effective
innovation.

"The Touch Card will provide a greater sense of security, inclusivity and
independence to the 

2.2 billion people

around the world with visual impairments," says Raja Rajamannar, chief
marketing and communications officer. "For the visually impaired,
identifying their

payment cards is a real struggle. This tactile solution allows consumers to
correctly orient the card and know which payment card they are using."

Image: New Touch Card debit card with a round notch, credit card with a
squarish notch and prepaid card with a triangular notch.

Image: New Touch Card debit card with a round notch, credit card with a
squarish notch and prepaid card with a triangular notch.

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With the new Touch Card, Mastercard has improved upon a current design
standard by introducing a system of notches on the side of the card to help
consumers

use the right card, the right way, by touch alone. The new Touch Card credit
cards have a squarish notch; debit cards have a rounded notch; and prepaid

cards have a triangular notch. The standard has been designed to work with
point-of-sale terminals and ATMs, ensuring it can be deployed at scale.

Mastercard's concept has been vetted and endorsed by The 

Royal National Institute of Blind People

(RNIB) in the U.K. and 

VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

in the U.S. The card was co-designed by 

IDEMIA,

the global leader in Augmented Identity, providing trusted solutions in the
physical as well as digital space.

"As the banking industry responds to new trends and developments, it's
critical that any innovation brings progress for everyone, including those
with

a visual impairment," says David Clarke, RNIB's director of services. "We're
very pleased that Mastercard understands how important it is that blind and

partially sighted people have equal and independent access to their own
finances."  

"Innovation should always be driven by the impulse to include," adds
Rajamannar, who is also the company's Healthcare president. "With one in
seven people

experiencing some form of disability, designing these products with
accessibility in mind gives them equal opportunity to benefit from the ease
and security

of a digital world. No one should be left behind." 

Mastercard has been embedding its 

signature melody

at checkout counters worldwide, a signal to everyone - the sight impaired in
particular - that their card transaction has gone through successfully.

Mastercard's launch of the Touch Card underscores its commitment to
inclusivity. It follows the introduction of True NameT, designed in support
of the

transgender and non-binary communities. The company's commitment as a brand
is to not only stand against inequity but to be an agent for change.

Note: Since launch of the Touch Card, the shape of the notches were changed
to reflect further refinement of the card.

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