Monzo announced that it has partnered with SignLive, an online interpreting service for British Sign Language (BSL). „This means BSL users can now chat with our customer support team through a fully-accredited interpreter, in real time, using video relay services.” – according to the press release.
What is SignLive
It’s a Deaf-owned, Deaf-led business, that’s removing communication barriers for the community through accessible technology and services. Since launching in 2014, SignLive now has over 118 highly-skilled interpreters that partner with UK businesses to help their customers communicate with them in their first language. All of their interpreters are trained in anti-fraud and safeguarding measures.
How it works
To access SignLive’s free services, you can download the app on any iOS or Android device. Or head to the SignLive website and use the web application. Once you’ve created a profile, log in to access a directory of UK businesses that offer interpretation services on the SignLive platform.
Chatting with Monzo using BSL
To chat to someone at Monzo using BSL, log in to your SignLive app and find and tap on ‘Monzo’ in the directory. This’ll connect you with an interpreter, who’ll relay the conversation to one of our customer support team members there and then.
„Using SignLive won’t add any time or additional steps to your call, so we can help you as quickly as possible. You can reach us using this service from 7 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday.” – the bank explained.
Why this matters
One in five people in the UK are Deaf or hard of hearing. And for many, BSL is their first language, not English. BSL has its own structure and vocabulary, which can mean that for some people, switching to English can be difficult or even impossible.
„We recognise that everyone should be able to manage their money easily, which includes speaking in your preferred language. This partnership is just one of our commitments to accessibility and inclusion for all of our customers.” – Monzo said.
Banking 4.0 – „how was the experience for you”
„So many people are coming here to Bucharest, people that I see and interact on linkedin and now I get the change to meet them in person. It was like being to the Football World Cup but this was the World Cup on linkedin in payments and open banking.”
Many more interesting quotes in the video below:
