OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 5, 2010) – Tinker Federal Credit Union has resolved to better serve its members with visual impairments, forming strategic partnerships and devoting resources to improve accessibility online and in its branches during the coming year. TFCU has more than 200,000 members and over $2 billion in assets, including 22 full-service branches across the state.
In 2009, TFCU merged with Oklahoma City-based Associated Blind of Oklahoma/Texas Federal Credit Union, a credit union that serves individuals with visual impairments. Since the merger, TFCU employees have explored hardware and software technology to help members read disclosures, conduct their financial business independently and receive information about the accounts and services the credit unions offer.
“We realized very quickly in the merger process that we were going to have to make some changes in the way we do things, in order to truly meet the needs of these members we had pledged to serve,” said Billie Houston, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Tinker Federal Credit Union.
TFCU also enlisted the help of NewView Oklahoma, the state’s leading employer of people who are blind and visually impaired and the only private agency in Oklahoma that provides specialized vision rehabilitation services, to conduct sensitivity training for its employees.
“We’re excited to see Tinker Federal Credit Union continue to grow and improve services for all of its members, including those with vision loss,” said NewView Oklahoma President and CEO Lauren White. “We applaud their efforts to increase accessibility – going well beyond the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act – and would like to challenge other Oklahoma businesses and organizations to take similar steps this year.”
In 2010, TFCU will install JAWS, a software program that can electronically read printed type and translate it to audio, at its branches, and accounts and services brochures will be made available in large print on its Web site and internal Intranet system. Approximately 10 percent of members read Braille, so TFCU is also researching Braille options.
“The steps we're taking will also help many of our older members who may be experiencing sight problems simply due to their age," Houston said. “We're very happy to serve these members as they deserve, and our research and discussions have also led us into thinking about service to other members with special needs other than vision.”
NewView Oklahoma – formerly Oklahoma League for the Blind – is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1949 with a mission to empower people who are blind and visually impaired to achieve their maximum level of independence through employment, rehabilitation and community outreach. Visit www.newviewoklahoma.com for more information.
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Media Contacts:
Rob Crissinger
Crissinger | Public Relations
405.401.6323
Nancy Entz
Director of Marketing, Tinker Federal Credit Union
405.319.2080
entzn@tinkerfcu.org
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