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At TD, we're committed to offering products, services and facilities that are accessible by all people, including those who may not otherwise have easy access to financial services - such as seniors, people with disabilities and those with low or vulnerable incomes.
TD has a strong record of breaking down barriers and facilitating access to financial products and services, while engaging our customers, employees and community partners in the process.
People with disabilities
- Each year we continue to provide increased accessibility to TD products, services and facilities for persons with disabilities. For example, all TD Canada Trust automated banking machines and more than 80% of TD Banknorth teller machines are equipped with audio functionality.
- We have a manager of accessibility initiatives, whose role includes promoting and championing accessible customer service across the enterprise and acting as a subject matter expert on related issues.
- TD has been a leader in introducing and delivering online services, which are convenient and affordable for people of all abilities. We’re continually reviewing and enhancing our banking and information websites to increase accessibility and usability. In fact, in December 2007 — in conjunction with International Day of Disabled Persons — we launched a new accessibility site on tdcanadatrust.com and tdwaterhouse.ca. The only one of its kind among major Canadian financial institutions, the site is aimed at keeping customers informed of our available offerings and accommodations.
Seniors, students/youth and low-income customers
- For seniors, we continue to improve the accessibility of our premises and services, and in Canada offer the Plan 60 Chequing Account, which features unlimited free transactions and special discounts.
- TD also works to ensure those with low or vulnerable incomes have the opportunity to open an account and perform banking transactions. For example: In Canada, we offer the Value Account, a low-fee, basic banking option; a Youth Account is available providing free unlimited transactions for those under 19 years of age; and we now offer the Value Plus Chequing Account with no monthly fee for post-secondary school students.
- We comply with Canadian government Access to Basic Banking Services Regulations by cashing government-issued cheques that are $1,500 or less at no charge for those who don’t have an account with us and by opening personal banking accounts regardless of whether a person is unemployed, is or has been bankrupt or can’t make an initial deposit, as long as required conditions are met.
- In the U.S., TD Banknorth offers the SimplyFree Personal Checking Account that starts free and stays free, with no monthly maintenance fees. In 2007, TD Banknorth opened three new branches in low- or moderate-income areas and continues to look for new ways to improve access to credit for people in these areas through special products, educational seminars and hiring community managers.
Leadership in the community
Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond TD. We support groups in the community, such as the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, the Canadian Hearing Society and the Canadian Paraplegic Association, dedicated to assisting people with disabilities. Through community outreach activities, donations and sponsorships, community partnerships and active employee volunteerism, we are helping to build a more accessible society overall.
Accessibility and accommodation in Canada
- Bank documentation, such as credit card statements and personal cheques, is available in alternate formats at no additional charge, upon request. The most popular alternate formats are large font and Braille. Our Annual Report can be provided in an audio format. In 2007, TD became the first Canadian bank to provide generic large font and Braille business cards in all customer-facing locations.
- Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use our TTY services, which utilize teletype devices with written text for communication, or conduct their telephone banking transactions through Relay Services.
- In 2007, we made EasyWeb Internet banking more accessible through modifications that comply with internationally recognized standards and guidelines on Web accessibility. These modifications are designed to make our website content easier to use, navigate and listen to, for customers with visual, hearing or dexterity challenges.
- We have an External Advisory Committee, with representation from groups that promote the needs of persons with disabilities, which provides input on initiatives to support an inclusive banking experience at TD.
- The TD Premises Accessibility Standard that ensures all new premises are fully accessible. This is our own internal high standard that exceeds most code requirements nationally.
- TD also operates from a number of existing older facilities and we are constantly making modifications to make them accessible. In 2007, we undertook 293 projects at customer-facing locations to provide designated barrier-free parking spaces and/or ramps, automatic door operators, and accessible greeter stations, teller stations and offices. We also retrofitted 60 corporate offices, with enhancements such as adequate wheelchair manoeuvring space in meeting rooms, audible and visible signalling devices in building fire alarms, and carpet accents to allow for visual distinction between various common areas (exits, stairwells, washrooms, copy areas, etc.).
More info:
www.tdcanadatrust.com/accessibility
Diversity in the Community
Diversity in our Workplace
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