Dubai: Emirates NBD has become the first bank worldwide to pilot ‘KinTrans’, a technology that enables easy two-way communication between sign language communicators with hearing disabilities and people who use spoken languages. The bank’s commitment to people with disabilities supports the ‘#MyCommunity’ initiative launched by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, that aims to transform Dubai to a disability-friendly city by 2020.
The bank will first beta test the new technology with service ambassadors and customers with hearing disabilities in its Jumeirah Emirates Towers branch to receive feedback. Then, it will roll out the revolutionary technology in select branches across the country during the year. The system, currently in its testing mode, automates Arabic Union Sign Language and American Sign Language at the Emirates Towers branch.
“Emirates NBD continues to explore ways to enhance the branch experience for people with disabilities, in line with its commitment to promote their financial inclusion,” said Hussam Al Syed, group chief human resource officer at Emirates NBD.
Customers with hearing or speech impairments can communicate via sign language, which will be instantly converted into text displayed on a screen for service ambassadors to read. The speech response from the service executive is also displayed in text mode on screen, to complete the two-way communication. The innovative technology allows customers with hearing or speech impairment to be able to communicate in their naturally preferred sign language with branch representatives who will be able to understand and service their needs far more efficiently.
