Debated in Parliament on 2 Jul 2024.
Mr Ong Hua Han asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether he will consider refreshing the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to incorporate the accessibility of financial services for consistency with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Enabling Masterplan 2030 (EMP2030) covers areas across the life stages of persons with disabilities, and efforts under EMP2030 will continue evolving to meet the support needs of persons with disabilities. This includes efforts in improving the accessibility of financial services.
Financial institutions have made improvements to enhance the accessibility of financial services for persons with disabilities. These include infrastructure, systems, procedures and staff training to assist persons with disabilities. For example, financial institutions have installed ramps and lowered counters to enhance accessibility for customers in wheelchairs. Banks have also introduced “Talking automated teller machines (ATMs)” with Braille instructions and audio guidance to help customers with visual impairment perform basic ATM transactions independently.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has also recently updated its Guidelines on Fair Dealing on 30 May 2024. The Guidelines formalise, amongst other things, expectations for financial institutions to ensure that all customers’ applications for financial products and services are assessed objectively, based on relevant and reliable information or data.
PAPERCUTS