ASB has become the first bank in New Zealand to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a not-for-profit initiative that assists individuals with non-visible disabilities in signaling their need for extra support. This partnership allows customers to use a Sunflower Lanyard or pin as a discreet indicator of their needs.
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Almost a quarter of New Zealanders live with some form of disability, with over 900 hidden disabilities such as ADHD, autism, arthritis, and diabetes that are not immediately apparent.
Rosalyn Clarke, ASB General Manager of Business Transformation and Customer Outcomes, expressed excitement about the partnership. "We’re so excited to begin this journey with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. It’s a really important conversation that we’re proud to support, to help make ASB an inclusive space for all of our customers," Clarke stated. This initiative is driven by ASB's Neurodiversity Network Group and builds on the bank’s commitment to providing extra care and support.
Sandee Facy, Head of Business Development for Australia and New Zealand for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative, welcomed ASB. "We are thrilled to welcome ASB to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative. Utilizing the Sunflower as a subtle yet powerful communication tool helps create a safe and inclusive place to work both internally and externally," Facy said.
ASB will train its staff to understand hidden disabilities, recognize the Sunflower symbol, and offer additional support to those who use it. This training ensures that ASB’s employees are prepared to meet the needs of all customers effectively.
In addition to this initiative, ASB provides various services to make banking more accessible, including interpretation services for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, wheelchair-accessible branches and ATMs, and debit and credit cards with braille features for those with impaired sight.
