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

[Mary Jo Partyka]

Great to know.

I braille my credit cards on the opposite side with the Dymo labeler.  That’s the only way I can keep track of them.  I can read them with the Optacon but sometimes this is tricky.


> On May 10, 2022, at 8:57 AM, Tracy Carcione via NJTechDiv <njtechdiv at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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.
> Cyi6S5VBp7I
> 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 Name™, 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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