Change language:

SEB offers consultation service in sign language

04.06.2019 - 19:45

Starting from June, it is possible to receive the consultation service with sign language translation at the Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu branches, and this service is free for SEB customers.

"A year ago we started providing the service of sign language translation in Tallinn, Tornimäe branch. The response was very positive and we decided to extend the service provision for the more time-consuming consultation service as well. Many of our customers wish to receive a longer consultation service once a year, whether via a video call or at the branch. Topics that are discussed include loans, home, travel or family insurance, saving money for children or other financial questions," explains SEB Head of Retail Banking Ainar Leppänen. "The bank's wish is that all of our customers have equal opportunities to get answers to all of their financial questions. Without an interpreter, communication between the deaf or hearing-impaired may remain minimal," added Leppänen.

According to Tiit Pappi, Chairman of the Management Board of the Estonian Association of the Deaf, the efforts of SEB are worthy of recognition because it reduces the communication barrier, and the access of the deaf to bank services of critical importance is increased. "SEB is actually one of the first banks in Estonia to start to comply with the Language Act, Section 8 (2) of which provides for the right to conduct business using Estonian sign language. The fact that the sign language consultation service is extended to Tartu and Pärnu in addition to Tallinn, is definitely good news for deaf people in these regions," said Papp, emphasising that since the privacy and security of communication is so important in bank services, access to a professional consultation service is vital to people.
A deaf or hard of hearing person, whose native language is sign language, has difficulties doing business without an interpreter. The broader purpose of the translation service is to overcome the communication barrier and provide the customer with full service.

For those customers who wish to be serviced by a sign language interpreter, please contact our co-operation partner Viipekeeletõlgid OÜ and let them know the branch, date and time that you need the service.

Contacts: